Africa’s routine vaccine systems deliver gains against cancer and malaria, but funding pressures loom laments Gavi...

Africa’s routine immunisation programmes are delivering measurable public health gains at scale, saving millions of lives and protecting communities from vaccine-preventable diseases, according to World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Immunisation coverage has expanded significantly since 2000, when routine schedules covered eight vaccine-preventable diseases, compared with 13 today. Newer vaccines, including those for malaria and human papillomavirus (HPV), are extending protection to children and women across the continent.

HPV vaccines have helped avert nearly one million cervical cancer deaths in 29 African countries as of 2024. At the same time, early data from 25 countries deploying malaria vaccines show reductions in severe illness and hospitalisation, ahead of African Vaccination Week and World Malaria Day marked in April.

Recent HPV campaigns in Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Angola have reached millions of girls within weeks, often through school-based delivery. Since 2019, the number of African countries offering HPV vaccination has risen from 12 to 35, while coverage increased from 5% in 2014 to 47% in 2024, placing Africa second globally behind the Americas. The programmes have generated an estimated $1.8 billion in economic benefits through reduced treatment costs and productivity gains.

More than 52 million malaria vaccine doses have been delivered since 2023 in high-burden settings through programmes supported by Gavi, WHO and UNICEF. Countries including Kenya, Malawi, Ghana and Cameroon have reported declines in severe cases and hospital admissions.

In Burkina Faso, where the vaccine has been rolled out nationwide, malaria cases fell by 32% between 2024 and 2025, with sharp reductions among children under five and nearly half of malaria-related child deaths averted. Household savings in direct healthcare costs exceeded $26 million, according to national health authorities.

Health officials say sustained political commitment and integrated measures such as bed nets, seasonal chemoprevention and community mobilisation have been key to progress.

Despite the gains, funding constraints threaten further advances. A nearly 30% budget shortfall in malaria programmes has already forced a scale-back in support, while experts warn that continued investment will be essential to maintain momentum.

Up to 10 additional African countries plan to introduce HPV vaccines by 2030, while five more aim to roll out malaria vaccines. However, funding gaps could lead to difficult national choices and an estimated 600,000 fewer lives saved by the end of the decade, Gavi said.