Nearly 20 million lives have been saved in Africa due to expanded measles vaccination efforts since 2000, according to a new analysis by the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The report estimates that 19.5 million measles-related deaths have been averted, while more than 500 million children have been protected through routine immunization programmes between 2000 and 2024.
The findings highlight significant progress in vaccination coverage across the continent. Over the past two decades, 44 African countries have introduced a second dose of the measles vaccine into routine immunization schedules, increasing coverage from just 5 percent in 2000 to 55 percent in 2024. In addition, large-scale vaccination campaigns have delivered more than 622 million doses, contributing to a 50 percent reduction in measles deaths and a 40 percent decline in overall cases.
Some countries have achieved particularly strong results. In recent years, nine nations reported consistently low measles incidence rates, and in 2025, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles became the first sub-Saharan African countries to eliminate measles and rubella.
Beyond measles, the analysis shows broader gains in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine immunization programmes now cover 13 diseases, up from eight in 2000. Meningitis deaths have dropped by 39 percent, and malaria vaccines have been introduced in 25 countries. In 2024 alone, vaccinations saved at least 1.9 million lives, with measles immunization accounting for 42 percent of those gains.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. According to Mohamed Janabi, while immunization efforts have achieved remarkable results, progress is uneven and slowing in some areas, leaving many children unprotected. Similarly, Sania Nishtar emphasized that disparities in access persist, particularly in fragile and remote settings.
Africa is currently off track to meet the targets of the global immunization strategy, which aims for 90 percent coverage of key vaccines by 2030. Factors such as rapid population growth, weak health systems, climate change, and ongoing humanitarian crises continue to hinder progress.
Health agencies stress that sustained investment, stronger health systems, and expanded vaccine access will be essential to close immunization gaps, reduce inequities, and protect future generations across the continent.
