Pretoria – On the event of Africa Vaccination Week 2025, we be part of the continent and the worldwide neighborhood in reaffirming our shared dedication to the facility and promise of immunisation. This yr’s theme, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Attainable,” and the slogan “Vaccinated Communities, Wholesome Communities” remind us that common immunisation shouldn’t be solely an ethical crucial, however a sensible purpose inside attain.

Africa Vaccination Week is greater than a symbolic observance; it’s a name to motion. Throughout the area, we proceed to see the devastating impacts of vaccine-preventable ailments, with far too many youngsters nonetheless unreached. The rising variety of zero-dose youngsters, those that have by no means acquired a single vaccine highlights the important gaps that demand pressing consideration.

This yr’s commemoration builds on the momentum of The Huge Catch-Up, the restoration plan launched in 2023 to revive immunisation companies disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However restoration alone shouldn’t be sufficient. We should go additional. We should be sure that no baby, no adolescent, no grownup is left behind no matter the place they dwell or their socioeconomic standing.

In South Africa, WHO continues to work alongside the federal government and key companions to strengthen immunization protection and construct public belief. From city clinics to distant communities, efforts have to be intensified to establish and attain zero-dose and under-immunized youngsters, promote vaccine fairness, and reinforce routine immunization as a cornerstone of main well being care and Common Well being Protection.

As we mark the midpoint of the Immunization Agenda 2030, we name on communities to take lively steps by participating with their native well being suppliers and guaranteeing youngsters obtain their scheduled vaccines. We urge well being care employees and amenities to prioritize catch-up vaccination and strengthen public belief by way of clear and constant communication. We encourage the Nationwide Division of Well being to maintain momentum by way of daring, data-driven immunization methods. We additionally name on conventional leaders to make use of their trusted voices to encourage households and people of their communities to prioritize immunization. 

And we enchantment to companions and different authorities sectors to combine vaccination efforts into their programmes throughout training, social companies, and humanitarian response so that each particular person, in every single place, is protected.

We should not permit misinformation, complacency, or useful resource constraints to undermine the hard-won progress of current a long time. Since 1974, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation has saved greater than 50 million lives throughout Africa. This legacy should proceed.

Africa Vaccination Week is a second to recommit. It’s a reminder that immunisation not solely saves lives however builds stronger well being techniques, empowers households, and protects our collective future.

Allow us to transfer ahead with urgency, unity, and unwavering resolve. Immunisation for all shouldn’t be solely attainable, it’s obligatory.