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The World Health Organisation (WHO), in partnership with immunisation partners, community leaders, and with the support of the Organisation of African First Ladies against AIDS (OAFLA), has launched today the 7th African Vaccination Week (AVW), urging people to get vaccinated to promote a healthy and productive Africa.

In a statement released at the weekend, WHO said the AVW – which kicks off from April 24 to April 30, 2017 – is being organised under the theme, “Vaccines protect everyone, get vaccinated!” All 47 countries of the WHO African Region will commemorate the AVW 2017, which aims to strengthen immunisation programmes in the region by keeping immunisation high on national agenda and increasing awareness of the right of every person to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

"The African Vaccination Week is an important opportunity to advocate for concrete actions to support vaccination, so that no child is left behind," Leila Pakkala, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa said.

Immunisation is recognized as one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions in the world. It is estimated to prevent between two and three million deaths each year, according to WHO.

“It is one of the best investments that countries can make in the health of their people and their future,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa. “Vaccines provide benefits beyond health outcomes, such as preventing medical costs and reduced time caring for sick children. These savings can lead to improvements in education, economic growth and poverty reduction.”

WHO said GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, has played a critical role in the immunisation campaign by bringing together public and private sectors with the shared goal of creating equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living in Africa. Gavi said it has helped protect 240 million children in Africa with life-saving vaccines.

"Gavi stands ready to help African countries maintain strong immunisation coverage and respond to outbreaks such as Ebola or Yellow Fever; diseases that can destabilise entire economies if not tackled from the onset,” said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Board Chair of Gavi. “Together we stand stronger to make vaccines work for our communities and create a more prosperous future for all children across our continent.”

This year’s AVW will be hosted by the First Lady of the Republic of Chad, Hinda Déby Itno as part of OAFLA’s commitment to make immunisation a priority in 2017. The First Ladies will promote access to life-saving vaccines for Africans.

The African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs Amira Elfadil, said the Agenda 2063 goals of the AU for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years cannot be achieved if Africa’s children are not immunised.

“The African Union is committed to support ongoing efforts by countries and partners to provide affordable and accessible lifesaving vaccines for all children in our determination to implement the Addis Declaration on Immunization," Elfadil added.