The 2025 African Vaccination Week (AVW), celebrated in April, was themed “Immunization For All is Humanly Possible.” The celebratory week began in 2010 as a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative to promote vaccination and its necessity within global health. The WHO found that in 2023 alone, vaccination saved 1.8 million lives in Africa.

The four goals of this year’s AVW were clear. The first was to reach un-immunized children through better initiatives. The second was to display the benefits of vaccines for African society. The third was to emphasize the importance of vaccines for the health care system coverage. The fourth was to increase immunization through further investment.

Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone, celebrating AVW involved governmental action focused on minimizing national gaps in immunization. Along with support from the WHO, UNICEF and Africa’s CDC, Sierra Leone has received more than $200 million worth of support from Gavi, an international vaccine supplier.

From April 24 through May 2, Gavi assisted Sierra Leone in conducting mobile drives to vaccinate disadvantaged areas. It supplies missed dosages to children and adults, promotes positive campaigns and more.

Ethiopia

Celebrating AVW in Ethiopia began with a commemoration held at the Woreda 03 National Health Center on April 30. An area facing some of the largest historical disparities in immunization, the event was financially supported by the WHO. Among the organizations in attendance were UNICEF representatives, advocates from the Gates Foundation, Save the Children and Ethiopian leaders.

Ethiopia’s State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, gave a speech highlighting the importance of vaccines. Duguma also thanked the volunteer efforts that have resulted in the vaccination of hundreds of children within the Woreda region in the previous six months.

South Sudan

The 2025 AVW marked several significant advances in South Sudan’s efforts toward national immunization. South Sudan is introducing three new vaccines to its standard program this year. Gavi is helping supply South Sudan with Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV), the Rotavirus vaccine and the second dose of Measles-Containing Vaccine (MCV2).

In addition to introducing these immunizations and with support from UNICEF and the WHO, the nation has also launched its “Big Catch-Up” initiative. Targeting 30 counties across South Sudan, the initiative is holding vaccination activities to reach untreated children.

Looking Forward

Across Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and South Sudan, the 2025 African Vaccination Week event focused on immunizing unvaccinated citizens. The AVW’s Pan-African framework has motivated ongoing vaccine efforts and improved overall health care. According to WHO data, since 2011, a cumulative 180 million lives have been saved due to health system improvements, including vaccination.

With continued support from global organizations such as UNICEF, the WHO and Gavi, immunization rates in Africa are expected to keep rising, providing greater safety in an increasingly populated world.

– Piper Aweeka

Piper is based in Alicante, Spain and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr