WHO Warns Africa Faces Setback in Preventable Disease Fight

Vaccines save about 1.8 million lives in Africa each year. But around 6.7 million children have never had a routine vaccine. Since 2000, routine immunisation has protected half a billion children. Countries now use digital health records, solar-powered storage and community outreach. Malaria vaccines are in use across 25 African nations. In 2025, Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles eliminated measles and rubella. Polio efforts have prevented 1.57 million deaths and 20 million paralysis cases. The “Big Catch-Up” reached 8.75 million children who had missed vaccines. Yet 9.5 million children remain only partly vaccinated. Many live in conflict zones or remote areas. The WHO warns measles, diphtheria and polio could return if efforts slow. It urges urgent investment in immunisation, noting a $44 return for every dollar spent.

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