Vaccines Prevent Nearly 20 Million Measles Deaths in Africa, WHO Says

A WHO and Gavi report says vaccines have prevented about 19.5 million measles deaths in Africa since 2000 and protected over 500 million children from disease. It credits improved immunisation coverage and campaigns but warns progress is uneven and still not on track for 2030 targets.

Vaccination efforts have helped prevent nearly 20 million measles-related deaths in Africa since 2000, according to a new analysis released by the World Health Organization and the Gavi the Vaccine Alliance. The report presents one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of immunisation progress across the continent, showing the large-scale impact of sustained vaccine programmes on child survival and public health outcomes.
Between 2000 and the end of 2024, the analysis estimates that about 19.5 million measles deaths were prevented in Africa due to expanded vaccination coverage and improved access to routine immunisation services. During the same period, more than 500 million children across the continent were protected against a range of vaccine-preventable diseases, highlighting the broader impact of immunisation beyond measles alone.
The findings show that major progress has been driven by the expansion of routine vaccination systems in African countries. Since the beginning of the century, 44 countries in Africa have introduced a second dose of the measles vaccine into their national immunisation schedules. This policy shift has played a significant role in strengthening immunity levels among children and reducing the spread of one of the world’s most contagious diseases. As a result, vaccination coverage has increased from just 5% in 2000 to about 55% by 2024.
In addition to routine immunisation, large-scale supplemental vaccination campaigns have contributed significantly to reducing measles transmission. According to the report, these campaigns have delivered approximately 622 million additional vaccine doses across the continent. Measles, which causes symptoms such as fever, cough, rash, and respiratory complications, can also lead to severe outcomes including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death, making widespread vaccination particularly critical for child health.
The report also highlights notable country-level achievements, pointing to progress in nations such as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. These countries were recognised for achieving measles and rubella elimination status in 2024, becoming the first Sub-Saharan African countries to reach this milestone. This reflects sustained investment in health systems, high vaccination coverage, and strong disease surveillance mechanisms.
Beyond measles, the analysis shows that immunisation programmes across Africa have expanded significantly over the past two decades. The number of vaccine-preventable diseases covered under routine schedules has increased from eight in 2000 to 13 today. More countries are now providing protection against diseases such as hepatitis B, rubella, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer prevention. In addition, malaria vaccines have been introduced in 25 countries, marking a major step forward in combating one of the continent’s deadliest diseases.
The report also notes that vaccination efforts have contributed to a 39% reduction in meningitis deaths across Africa, further demonstrating the wide-ranging health benefits of immunisation programmes. It adds that in 2024 alone, vaccines helped save at least 1.9 million lives, with measles vaccination accounting for 42% of those lives saved.
Despite these achievements, health officials warn that progress remains uneven across the continent. While some countries have reached high coverage levels, others continue to struggle with gaps in access, funding, and delivery systems. Mohamed Janabi noted that although Africa has made “remarkable progress in less than a generation,” improvements are slowing in some areas, leaving many children still unprotected.
The report concludes that Africa is currently off track to meet the World Health Organization’s global target of 90% vaccine coverage by 2030. Health leaders are therefore calling for urgent strengthening of routine immunisation systems, improved funding, and sustained political commitment to ensure that no child is left behind in access to life-saving vaccines.