How can Africa close critical immunity gaps and protect millions from preventable diseases?
On 4 July 2025 in Lilongwe, Malawi, WHO AFRO and partners brought together health leaders from across Eastern and Southern Africa under the theme "Boost, Protect, Sustain." The event focused on three game-changing vaccine platforms:
HPV vaccine: A new single-dose schedule makes it easier than ever to protect girls against cervical cancer.
Hexavalent vaccine: Six antigens in one shot—streamlining immunization and improving efficiency.
DTP boosters: Preventing resurgent outbreaks by protecting children and adolescents as immunity wanes.
Countries are now moving to integrate vaccines into school health programmes and scale up routine immunization, with strong calls for continued technical support.
This is Africa's strategy to sustain immunity, protect adolescents, and build resilient health systems.