Local trends in immunisation coverage across Africa

This paper examines immunisation coverage patterns across Africa, noting that while coverage has improved over recent decades, many countries still fall short of national targets and some rates are stagnating or declining. Incomplete immunisation coverage remains a significant cause of child death and illness across the continent. The authors argue that national-level statistics mask important local variations that are crucial for understanding what prevents children from being vaccinated.

Key points

• Immunisation coverage has increased substantially across Africa in recent decades with corresponding reductions in disease mortality and morbidity
• Many African countries have immunisation coverage rates that remain below national targets, with some rates stagnating or falling
• Incomplete immunisation coverage is still a major contributor to child mortality and morbidity across Africa
• National and first-level administrative estimates conceal local-level heterogeneities in coverage
• Fine-scale spatial analysis is needed to identify local barriers to vaccination and their effects on disease burden

Limitations

This document is a brief introduction or abstract and does not provide detailed methods, results, or data on specific countries or local barriers to immunisation. It does not evaluate an intervention or present original findings.