WHO/UNICEF warn funding cuts could reverse 2025 immunisation gains across African nations
WHO and UNICEF report record 73 million children immunised with Gavi-supported vaccines across lower-income countries in 2025, the highest ever recorded. DTP3 coverage improved in 75% of countries, reaching 80% or higher in two-thirds of nations. The 'breadth of protection' hit 65%, matching the global average for the first time—a 16-point jump since 2019. HPV vaccine protected 95 million girls (79 million in three years), exceeding targets, while malaria vaccines reached 25 African countries covering 70% of global burden. Ghana saw 86% drop in under-five malaria deaths (2019-2024), Burkina Faso reported 32% fewer cases (2024-2025). Despite progress, 15.6 million children still missed measles first dose, and 9.5 million remain zero-dose in lower-income countries. However, Gavi warns 2026-2030 funding is incomplete, threatening malaria vaccines, hexavalent vaccines, campaigns and stockpiles. Fiscal pressures, instability, outbreaks and vaccine hesitancy add challenges. Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar stressed sustaining momentum requires domestic financing and donor support to reach underserved children. 2025 was the last fully funded year of Gavi's current strategic period.