Data from the WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2022 revision were analyzed to assess the status of routine immunization in the WHO African Region, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the coverage with the first and third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis containing vaccine (DTP1 and DTP3 respectively) and with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1), in the region, was estimated at 80%, 72% and 69%, respectively (all below the 2019 level). Only 13 of the 47 countries (28%) achieved the global target coverage of 90% or above with DTP3 in 2022. From 2019 to 2022, 28.7 million zero-dose were recorded (19.0% of target population). Ten countries of the region accounted for 80.3% of all zero-dose children including the four most populous countries (Nigeria, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Republic of Tanzania). Reported administrative coverage greater than WUENIC was found in 19 countries, highlighting routine immunization data quality issues. The WHO African region has not yet recovered from COVID-19 disruptions to routine immunization. It is critical for Governments to ensure that processes are in place to prioritize investments for restoring immunization services, catching-up on vaccination of zero-dose and un-der-vaccinated children and improving data quality.

Cameroon introduced the malaria vaccine in its routine immunization programme on 22 January 2024, in the 42 districts out of 200, among the most at risk of malaria. A cross-sectional analysis of data on vaccine key events in the introduction roadmap and vaccine uptake during the first 30 days was conducted. In addition to available gray literature related to the introduction of the malaria vaccine, data on malaria vaccine uptake by vaccination session, collected through a digital platform, were analyzed. A total of 1,893 reports were received from 22 January 2024 to 21 February 2024 from 766 health facilities (85% of overall completeness). Two regions out of 10 recorded less than 80% of completeness. As of 21 February 2024, 13,811 children have received the first dose of the malaria vaccine, including 7,124 girls (51.6%) and 6,687 boys (48.4%). Thirty six percent of children were vaccinated through outreach sessions versus 61.5% through sessions in fixed posts. The overall monthly immunization coverage with the first dose was 37%. Early results have shown positive attitudes towards and acceptance of malaria vaccines. Suboptimal completeness of data reporting and low coverage highlight persistent gaps and challenges in vaccine rollout.