Angolares - On 29 April, the city of Angolares hosted the official launch of African Vaccination Week (AVW) 2026 in São Tomé and Príncipe. Led by the Ministry of Health, the initiative runs from 29 April to 6 May and aims to strengthen routine immunization, reach the most vulnerable populations, and reduce the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children.

This year, the campaign places special emphasis on the districts of Água Grande, Mé-Zóchi and Caué, which have lower vaccination coverage compared to other districts in the country. Under the theme “For all generations, vaccines work”, AVW 2026 highlights the importance of vaccination across the life course, from childhood to adulthood and older age.

At the launch ceremony, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in São Tomé and Príncipe, Dr Abdoulaye Diarra, emphasized that vaccination remains one of the most effective and safest public health interventions to prevent disease and save lives. As part of AVW 2026, WHO, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and with the support of WHO AFRO, is piloting the digitalization of vaccination data in the three priority districts.

According to Dr Abdoulaye Diarra, this initiative aims to 

“ensure that information is available in real time, enabling better monitoring of activities, faster decision-making and more effective planning of vaccination actions,” contributing to a stronger, more resilient and sustainable immunization programme.

Representing the Minister of Health, the Director of the Minister’s Cabinet, Dr Martinho Nascimento, stressed that vaccination goes beyond protecting children. 

“Vaccination is not only for children, but a form of protection that accompanies every person from birth through adulthood and old age,” he said, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.

He also noted that, despite the progress achieved, significant challenges remain, including limited access to health services in some communities and misinformation, which continues to threaten hard-won gains. For this reason, African Vaccination Week is also a key moment for community mobilization, awareness-raising and strengthening trust in vaccines.

Throughout the week, vaccination activities will be carried out at fixed sites and through mobile outreach teams, along with door-to-door activities, community sessions and communication campaigns aimed at informing, mobilizing and engaging parents, caregivers, community leaders and partners.

WHO reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting São Tomé and Príncipe, in close collaboration with the Government and with the support of WHO AFRO and other partners, to strengthen the health system and ensure equitable access to vaccination for all.