Millions of children across Africa have no access to life-saving vaccines, with over half a million of them under-the age five dying due to preventable diseases annually, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The Africa CDC Wednesday in a statement said that preventable diseases, such as measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough; continue to pose significant threats to the well-being of children in Africa.
“Yet, vaccination remains out of reach for millions across the continent. Limited domestic health funding, low trust in vaccines, political instability and challenges in accessing remote communities all contribute to the problem,” said the Africa CDC.
Data from the African Union’s specialised healthcare agency showed that in 2023, only 16 African countries achieved over 90 percent coverage for essential childhood vaccines. Meanwhile, the number of those who have received no vaccinations rose to 7.9 million in 2023, marking a 16 percent increase since 2019.
The Africa CDC noted that a number of African countries continue to report high mortality rates from vaccine-preventable diseases, largely due to inconsistent vaccination coverage.
It said that these diseases are estimated to cost African nations around $13 billion each year, placing additional strain on Africa’s overstretched health systems and slowing economic progress.
MG/as/APA