Routine immunization services in Africa: back to basics

Abstract

National immunization programmes were created as a sequel to smallpox eradication when countries undertook mass immunization campaigns and other control measures to fight the disease. As smallpox came near to eradication, the World Health Organization took advantage of the expertise of the smallpox programme and created the Expanded Programme on Immunization. Six vaccines were to be delivered to all children of eligible age through routine immunization services. Despite the recent excellent results in immunizing children in the region, Africa is in danger of failing to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). There are funding shortfalls and a sapping of political will that are preventing progress towards attaining the health components of the MDGs in Africa. Recognizing these realities, in December 2011, the Task Force for Immunization in Africa encouraged countries to refocus on delivering basic immunization services, the original mandate for routine immunization services. There is no single solution to raising routine coverage in all African countries. Challenges such as the scarcity of resources will test countries to the utmost. All partners in immunization believe that African children deserve the protection afforded by vaccines. And to make the best use of available vaccines requires a renewed emphasis and prioritization of routine immunization services in African countries - the platform on which other immunization activities can be mounted.