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Vaccine shortages in Africa result in approximately half a million child deaths annually.

Annually, over half a million African children under 5 succumb to preventable maladies like measles and polio, primarily due to inadequate vaccine supply, as per the African Union's public health department.

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Vaccine shortages in Africa result in approximately half a million child deaths annually.

Struggling to Eradicate Preventable Diseases: The African Vaccine Challenge

In a grim reality, over half a million children under five years old in Africa continue to perish each year from diseases that could easily be eliminated, such as measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and whooping cough. This stark revelation comes from the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Underlying causes for this heartbreaking situation are manifold. Limited national health funds, vaccine reluctance, political instability, and inaccessibility to remote communities stand as significant barriers keeping millions of children on the continent from receiving potentially life-saving vaccines.

Despite these obstacles, only 16 African countries surpassed a 90% vaccination rate for essential childhood inoculations, including the third dose for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, or the first dose for measles, in 2023. Sadly, the number of unvaccinated children skyrocketed to 7.9 million that year, a 16% increase from 2019. The Africa CDC attributes this unsettling trend to the lingering effects of COVID-19, health disparities, and the overall vulnerability of the system.

Countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe still struggle with high mortality rates from preventable diseases. Not only do these diseases take a harsh toll on African children, but they also cost the continent an estimated $13 billion annually, putting unnecessary strain on already burdened health systems and hampering economic growth.

Striving to change this reality, the Africa CDC has pledged to increase local vaccine production to 60% by 2040. Efforts to achieve this goal include strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, expanding immunization programs, and confronting systemically ingrained obstacles.

Major initiatives include the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), which Gavi launched with a $1.2 billion funding mechanism to incentivize African manufacturers and supply essential vaccines like malaria and HPV. Technology transfers, such as BioNTech’s modular mRNA factories and partner collaborations, aim to expedite production capabilities. additionally, increased co-financing by African governments and initiatives like Immunization Agenda 2030 work to close equity gaps and fortify resilient health systems.

As part of these efforts, the rollout of a malaria vaccine targets vaccinating 50 million children by 2030, accompanied by attempts to minimize zero-dose children. Improving coverage for measles, polio, and HPV vaccines has yielded positive results, thanks to enhanced surveillance and strategic health system investments. Building infrastructure to address gaps in biomanufacturing training and cold-chain logistics aims to tackle manufacturer-related difficulties, while campaigns against misinformation and increased domestic funding attempt to overcome vaccine hesitancy and external reliance.

The progress made thus far includes a notable surge in vaccine coverage, which has saved countless lives from measles and polio. The 2024 launch of AVMA marks a pivotal moment toward regional health security, with two partnerships already secured. Furthermore, investments in research and development are on the rise, with calls for localized research hubs to tackle Africa-specific health threats.

With challenges like conflict, climate disasters, and population growth still looming, sustained funding and unwavering political commitment are essential to ensuring the long-term success of these efforts.

Additional Reading: South Africa Announces Commission on Apartheid-era Legal Processes

[1] "Improving Childhood Immunization in Africa: A Call to Action." World Health Organization. World Health Organization, August 16, 2022. [Link to full text][2] "Africa’s fight against COVID-19: A new beginning?" The Conversation. The Conversation, June 21, 2021. [Link to full text][3] "Africa vaccine manufacturing: The future is bright (and mighty)." African Business. African Business, January 13, 2022. [Link to full text][4] "Partnership to Strengthen Health Systems in Africa." Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, April 21, 2021. [Link to full text][5] "Déjà vu? Malawi out Lilongwe’s COVID-19 vaccine hopes." African Arguments. African Arguments, April 20, 2021. [Link to full text]

  1. The world watches as Africa fights to eradicate preventable diseases through the African Vaccine Challenge.
  2. Inaccessibility to vaccines remains a significant problem for millions of children in Africa, causing over half a million deaths each year.
  3. The African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) highlighted limited national health funds, vaccine reluctance, political instability, and inaccessibility to remote communities as major barriers.
  4. In 2023, only 16 African countries surpassed a 90% vaccination rate, while the number of unvaccinated children increased by 16%.
  5. The Africa CDC attributes this increase to the lingering effects of COVID-19, health disparities, and system vulnerability.
  6. Countries like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe struggle with high mortality rates from preventable diseases.
  7. These diseases not only affect African children but also cost the continent $13 billion annually, straining health systems and hindering economic growth.
  8. To change this reality, the Africa CDC pledged to increase local vaccine production to 60% by 2040.
  9. Major initiatives include the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), Gavi's funding mechanism to promote African manufacturers.
  10. BioNTech’s modular mRNA factories and partner collaborations aim to expedite production capabilities.
  11. Increased co-financing by African governments and initiatives like Immunization Agenda 2030 work to close equity gaps and fortify resilient health systems.
  12. The rollout of a malaria vaccine targets vaccinating 50 million children by 2030.
  13. Improving coverage for measles, polio, and HPV vaccines has yielded positive results, thanks to enhanced surveillance and strategic health system investments.
  14. Building infrastructure to address gaps in biomanufacturing training and cold-chain logistics aims to tackle manufacturer-related difficulties.
  15. Campaigns against misinformation and increased domestic funding attempt to overcome vaccine hesitancy and external reliance.
  16. Improved coverage for measles and polio vaccines has saved countless lives.
  17. The 2024 launch of AVMA marks a pivotal moment toward regional health security.
  18. Partnerships have already been secured for AVMA, signifying a promising future.
  19. Investments in research and development are on the rise, with calls for localized research hubs to tackle Africa-specific health threats.
  20. Sustained funding and political commitment are crucial for long-term success in eradicating preventable diseases in Africa.
  21. In the realm of health and wellness, fitness and exercise, mental health, mens health, and skin-care, improving surveillance and strategic investments play essential roles.
  22. Chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, and neurological disorders need continued attention in the medical industry.
  23. Climate change, industrial growth, and pollution affect eye health, hearing, and general environmental science.
  24. Age affects cardiovascular health, weight management, and the aging process for both women and men.
  25. Workplace wellness, parenting, and lifestyle choices impact health and wellness, with a stronger focus on nutrition and healthy food and drink.
  26. Therapies and treatments for chronic diseases like autoimmune disorders and mental health conditions require further research.
  27. Cybersecurity and data security are crucial in the handling and management of medical records and personal health data.
  28. In wealth management, finance, personal finance, home and garden, business, and investing, a balanced lifestyle that incorporates fitness and nutrition is increasingly important.
  29. Skin conditions, cosmetics, and fashion are interconnected, impacting both physical and mental health.
  30. The environment, politics, crime, and justice are all factors that can affect health and wellbeing, requiring ongoing awareness and commitment to improve the overall quality of life across the world.
In Africa, an alarming number of more than half a million children under five years old succumb yearly to preventable illnesses such as measles and polio, attributable to insufficient vaccine access, according to a disclosure made by the African Union's health agency on Wednesday.

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