About African Vaccination Week
The Africa Vaccination Week, endorsed in September 2010 by the resolution AFR/RC60/14 to strengthen immunization programs in the African Region, is celebrated the last week of April each year simultaneously with the World Immunization Week.
The AVW highlights the collective actions needed to strengthen immunization programmes in the region, increasing the timely use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. It aims to keep immunization high on the national and regional agendas through advocacy and partnerships, while promoting delivery of other lifesaving interventions.
The theme for Africa Vaccination Week 2025 is ‘Immunization for all is humanly possible’ and aims to
1. Reach zero-dose children through accelerated implementation of big catch-up initiatives.
2. Show vaccines' health benefits for children, communities, and Africa.
3. Highlight routine immunization's role in strong health systems and universal coverage.
4. Continue improving immunization and address gaps with more investment.
Progress in Africa
According to WHO-UNICEF reports, the region made remarkable progress in increasing DTP3 coverage from 72% in 2022 to 74% in 2023, maintained wild polio free status, eliminated Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) in 43 of the 47 member states, reached and vaccinated over 5 million zero-dose children through the Big catch-up initiative, introduced malaria vaccine in 13 countries and first dose of HPV coverage reached 40%.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist in reaching children in the African region. Currently, one in five children are under-vaccinated, and one out of four children are completely unvaccinated, with many countries facing recurring outbreaks, particularly of measles.
WHO and partners are working together to restore immunization back to the pre-pandemic levels and further strengthen the immunization system to accelerate progress towards the immunization agenda 2030 targets, ensuring every one, every where in Africa fully benefits from existing and new life-saving vaccines.
For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions on African Immunization Week.