WHO Reports 9.5 Million African Children Under-Immunized

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9.5 million children in Africa remain under-immunized, with 6.7 million not having received a single routine vaccination. Dr. Moham Yakub Janabi, the Regional Director for Africa, highlighted these issues during the 2026 vaccination week, emphasizing the challenges posed by dwindling funding and ongoing conflicts.

The WHO aims to strengthen national ownership of immunization programs and mobilize domestic resources to meet the 2030 immunization targets. Notably, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles have achieved the elimination of measles and rubella, marking significant milestones in immunization efforts.

The report also indicates that nearly 8.75 million children missed routine vaccinations, with coverage for diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough returning to pre-pandemic levels. Vaccination efforts have prevented an estimated 1.8 million deaths annually in Africa, underscoring the importance of maintaining vaccination programs amidst various challenges.