A new article in BMJ Global Health reflects on five decades of immunization programs in the WHO African Region, highlighting tremendous achievements as well as ongoing challenges. Since the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1974, the region has seen major progress in vaccine coverage, disease elimination, and system strengthening.
Notable milestones include the eradication of wild poliovirus in the region and significant reductions in diseases like measles and meningitis. However, the article also notes persistent inequities in immunization access, exacerbated by health system constraints and recent disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The authors call for renewed investments in immunization financing, health workforce development, and data systems to sustain and build on past gains. As the region looks ahead, achieving universal vaccine access remains both an urgent priority and a critical opportunity.
How can the findings be used?
This article will be immensely valuable to health systems policymakers and immunization service providers, as it highlights critical areas requiring attention. It also offers a foundation for researchers to further explore issues related to the health workforce, which serves as the cornerstone of effective service delivery.
Thumbnail image credit: WHO
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