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. 2017 Jun 21;27(Suppl 3):12.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2017.27.3.12127. eCollection 2017.

Challenges of immunization in the African Region

Richard Mihigo  1 , Joseph Okeibunor  1 , Blanche Anya  1 , Pascal Mkanda  1 , Felicitas Zawaira  1
Affiliations

Challenges of immunization in the African Region

Richard Mihigo et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Immunization has made significant contribution to public health in the African Region, including elimination, eradication and control of life threatening diseases. Hospitalization due to vaccine preventable diseases has been drastically reduced due to introduction of new effective vaccines. However, optimizing the benefits of immunization by achieving high universal coverage has met with many challenges. The Regional immunization coverage, though raised from its low 57% in 2000 to 76% in 2015 has remained below expected target. Worse still, it has stagnated around 70% for a prolonged period. Cases of inequity in access to immunization service continue to exist in the region. This paper therefore explored the different challenges to immunization in the African Region. Some of the challenges it identifies and discusses include issues of sustainable funding and resources for immunization, vaccine stock-outs, and logistics. Others include data issues and laboratory infrastructure. The paper also attempted some possible solutions.

Keywords: African region; challenges; coverage; equity; immunization; vaccines.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Evidence of new vaccine introduction impact in the African Region
Figure 2
Figure 2
Routine immunization coverage of selected vaccines in the African Region, WUENIC 1980-2015
Figure 3
Figure 3
Equity gaps in immunization coverage
Figure 4
Figure 4
Polio laboratory and surveillance network (>700 labs)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Government funding of vaccine and immunization costs in the African Region 2015
Figure 6
Figure 6
Comparative analysis of data from WUENIC and Administrative reporting
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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