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Review
. 2024 Dec 31;20(1):2375081.
doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2375081. Epub 2024 Jul 9.

Addressing the re-emergence and resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Africa: A health equity perspective

Adriano Focus Lubanga  1   2 , Akim Nelson Bwanali  1   3 , Melina Kangoma  2 , Yankho Matola  2 , Chitemwa Moyo  2 , Byenala Kaonga  2 , Stuart Ssebibubbu  4   5 , Tumaini John Makole  6 , Frank Kambili  1 , Gertrude Diana Chumbi  2 , Leonard Munthali  2 , Atupele Mwale  2 , Frank Kaphesi  1 , Reuben Simfukwe  7 , Mzati Mphepo  3 , Thandizo Kapatsa  1 , Gracian Harawa  8   9 , Samuel L Mpinganjira  7
Affiliations
Review

Addressing the re-emergence and resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Africa: A health equity perspective

Adriano Focus Lubanga et al. Hum Vaccin Immunother. .

Abstract

Vaccination is one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, with a tremendous impact in the prevention and control of diseases. However, the recent reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases calls for a need to evaluate current vaccination practices and disparities in vaccination between high-income countries and low-and-middle-income countries. There are massive deficits in vaccine availability and coverage in resource-constrained settings. Therefore, this perspective seeks to highlight the reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Africa within the lens of health equity and offer recommendations on how the continent should be prepared to deal with the myriad of its health systems challenges. Among the notable factors contributing to the reemergence, stand health inequities affecting vaccine availability and the dynamic vaccine hesitancy. Strengthening health systems and addressing health inequities could prove useful in halting the reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Keywords: Vaccine-preventable diseases; health equity; immunization; sub-Saharan Africa; vaccines.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Schematic representation of factors that contribute to reemergence and resurgence of VPDs in Africa.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Schematic diagram summarizing strategies for tackling VPDs resurgence in WHO African Region.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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