Overview

Immunization is widely recognized as a proven tool for controlling and possibly eradicating disease and remains one of the most cost effective public health interventions. Significant strides have been made towards implementing essential immunization practices in developing countries; new vaccines also have been introduced with significant results. However, the complexities of developing newer vaccines and the obstacles faced in bringing them to vulnerable populations demand continued action maximizing the impact of key interventions to strengthen health systems.

Role of WHO/AFRO in IVD implementation
WHO/AFRO is providing policy and technical support to Member States to maximize equitable access for all people to vaccines of assured quality, including new immunization products and technologies. The organization continues also to promote the integration of other essential child health interventions with immunization.

The key challenges facing Member States include:

• Continued circulation of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in Nigeria and importations into other countries;
• Large number of un-immunized children in the populous countries with sub-optimal immunization coverage;
• Persistent gaps in immunization and surveillance data quality;
• Insufficient resources - health workforce and financing for accelerated disease control activities;
• Limited funding for research, and lack of capacity for the regulation and ethical review of clinical trials;
• Weaknesses of health systems across the region