Vaccines for Africa

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we join the global community in reaffirming our commitment to building equitable, inclusive, and resilient health systems.

This day highlights the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities — and this year’s theme, Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress, reminds us that true progress leaves no one behind.

For immunisation programmes, this commitment is essential.

Across the world, children with disabilities are at greater risk of missing routine vaccinations. According to UNICEF, millions of children still do not receive the life-saving vaccines they need — and many of these missed opportunities occur because children with disabilities face reduced access to mainstream health services.

This is not only a health priority — it is a matter of rights, dignity, and social justice.

As we mark , VACFA remains committed to supporting research, advocacy, and training that promote inclusive immunisation across Africa. A healthier, more equitable future is only possible when everyone is protected.

We’re honoured that the University of Cape Town has recognised the Vaccines for Africa Initiative (VACFA) and our two decades of the Annual African Vaccinology Course.

Thank you, UCT, for your continued support and for walking this journey with us — empowering health professionals, building vaccine confidence, and strengthening immunisation systems across the continent.

This milestone reflects not just 20 years of training but 20 years of collaboration, learning, and African leadership in public health.

Here’s to continuing the work together — towards equitable access, stronger health systems, and healthier communities.

🌍✨📖 Read the full article on UCT News: UCT’s VACFA celebrates two decades of advancing vaccinology training in Africa

🌍 A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors — the South African Medical Research Council (SA MRC), CEPI, University of Cape Town, Biovac, Sanofi, MSD, Afrigen, and the NITAG Support Hub (NISH) — your support made this possible.

🙏Here’s to the next chapter of advancing vaccinology and strengthening immunisation systems across Africa.

✨ And so, all good things come to an end…As we conclude the 20th Annual African Vaccinology Course ( ), we reflect on an incredible journey — two decades of learning, collaboration, and commitment to building an Africa free of vaccine-preventable diseases.

💉🌍From the very first course to today, we have grown stronger together — researchers, policymakers, health professionals, and advocates — united by a shared vision of equity and protection for all.

The road continues, and now, we walk it together.

💪🏾Thank you to every speaker, participant, and partner who made this milestone possible.

Here’s to the next chapter of innovation, confidence, and collective action in vaccinology across Africa.

🌍 🎓 Friday Morning, Session 2 at : Building Confidence and Strengthening Communication for Immunisation in Africa

As draws to a close, today’s final session focused on the power of confidence, communication, and collaboration in driving vaccine uptake and trust across the continent.

🔹 Vaccine confidence: Strategies to improve vaccine decision-making and demand generation in Africa – Prof Hannelie Meyer, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa, explored innovative approaches to strengthen community trust and improve immunisation coverage.

🔹 Vaccine communication strategies & media engagement for vaccinologists – Ms Adele Baleta, Freelance Journalist, South Africa, shared insights on effective communication and media partnerships to combat misinformation and promote vaccine literacy.

These last discussions captured the spirit of — innovation, evidence, and collaboration for a healthier Africa. 🌍💉

💡💬 Day 5 Morning at : Transforming Evidence-Informed Vaccine Decision-Making in Africa.

As we enter the final day of the 20th Annual African Vaccinology Course, today’s focus is on how evidence, systems thinking, and collaboration drive better vaccine policies and communication across Africa.

🔹 NITAG Support Hub (NISH): Strengthening Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Africa – A/Prof Benjamin Kagina, University of Cape Town, South Africa, highlights the role of the NISH in empowering national technical groups to make data-driven immunisation decisions.

🔹 Case Study 1: A Critical Systems Heuristics Approach to TB Vaccine Implementation – Dr Julia Ruokomäki, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands, explores innovative approaches to TB vaccine rollout in high-burden settings.

🔹 Case Study 2: Examining the Vaccine Decision-Making Ecosystem in Southern Africa – Dr Adelaide Ngina Masu, University of Cape Town, South Africa, analyses challenges and opportunities shaping national vaccine policies.

🔹 Case Study 3: Measles-Containing Vaccine Presentation Switches in Africa – Elizabeth O. Oduwole, University of Cape Town , South Africa, discusses the impact, experiences, and lessons learned from switching vaccine formulations.

These sessions highlight how strong evidence, thoughtful systems, and effective communication can transform immunisation outcomes and build public trust across the continent.

🌍💉 Advancing Cervical Cancer Prevention: Explore the HPV LibGuide for Africa

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are a vital tool in preventing cervical cancer — one of the leading causes of cancer among women globally. These vaccines are highly effective, protecting against key HPV types responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.

The HPV LibGuide, developed by the NITAG Support Hub (NISH), serves as a trusted resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. It provides evidence-based insights into HPV vaccination programmes and initiatives across Africa — including single-dose, two-dose, and three-dose schedules.

This guide also helps dispel common myths, offering reliable information to strengthen vaccine confidence and support data-driven decisions.

🔗 Explore the LibGuide here: https://health.uct.ac.za/nish/libguide-human-papillomavirus-hpv-africa

🌍💉 Day 4 Session 2 at : Advancing Protection for Adolescents and Mothers Across Africa.

This session shines a light on vaccination across key stages of life — from adolescence to pregnancy — strengthening immunity for individuals, families, and communities.

🔹 HPV Vaccination in Africa: Advancing Equity for Adolescent Girls – Fumane Lekoala, Future Evidence Foundation, Lesotho, highlights the importance of equitable access to HPV vaccines and the role of immunisation in protecting adolescent girls across the continent.

🔹 Strengthening Maternal Immunisation in Africa: A Critical Link in Life-Course Vaccination – Dr Clare Cutland, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, discusses how maternal immunisation is central to safeguarding mothers and newborns, forming a vital component of life-course protection.

Together, these discussions reinforce the need for equitable access, tailored strategies, and sustained investment to strengthen immunisation throughout every stage of life.

🌍💉 Thursday Morning - programme change - :

🔷 Targeted Vaccination for Travellers Today’s session featured Dr Albie de Frey from the South African Society of Travel Medicine, who brought over 30 years of expertise in travel health to the discussion.

Dr de Frey emphasised the often-underestimated role of vaccination in protecting travellers, highlighting its critical place within comprehensive health risk management.

His insights remind us that vaccination is not only central to maternal and HIV health, but also key to ensuring safe global mobility and disease prevention across borders.

🌍💉 Day 4 Thursday Morning at : Strengthening Equity and Expanding Immunisation Across the Lifespan.

Today’s sessions focus on inclusivity, resilience, and expanding protection — ensuring that no one is left behind in Africa’s immunisation journey.

🔹 Zero-Dose Children and Missed Communities: Ensuring That No One Is Left Behind in the African Immunisation Agenda – Dr Anthony Hawkridge, University of Cape Town, South Africa, highlights efforts to reach vulnerable and hard-to-access populations.

🔹 Cholera Outbreaks in Africa: Protecting Underserved Populations Through Vaccination and Public Health Action – Dr Beverley Cowper, The Biovac Institute, South Africa, discusses vaccination strategies for outbreak control and equity in access.

🔹 Life-Course Immunisation: Expanding Protection Beyond Infancy – A/Prof Sipho Dlamini, University of Cape Town, South Africa, explores how lifelong immunisation approaches strengthen population health.

Together, these conversations emphasise equity, access, and innovation as pillars for Africa’s immunisation future.

🌍💉 Highlight from : Redefining the Fight Against Malaria in Africa

During today’s session, Rose Jalang’o (National Vaccines and Immunisation Programme, Kenya) shared key lessons from the subnational introduction of the RTS,S / AS01 malaria vaccine — marking an important step toward reducing malaria burden across the continent.

In a time when data-driven decision-making is vital, access to reliable, evidence-based information supports stronger immunisation and policy frameworks.

The Malaria in Africa LibGuide — developed by the NITAG Support Hub (NISH) — provides curated, evidence-based research and resources on malaria prevention, vaccine efficacy, and public health strategies.
🔗 Explore it here: https://health.uct.ac.za/nish/libguide-malaria-africa

These resources are designed to support members and policy-makers across Africa in developing informed, evidence-based recommendations to combat malaria.

🌍💉 Day 3 Afternoon at : Advancing Malaria and Meningococcal Vaccine Strategies

This afternoon’s discussions highlight critical advances shaping Africa’s vaccine landscape — from malaria to meningococcal prevention.

🔹 Redefining the Fight Against Malaria: Lessons from Subnational Introduction of the RTS,S/AS01 Vaccine in Africa – Dr Rose Jalang’o, National Vaccines and Immunization Programme, Kenya, shares key learnings from early implementation experiences.

🔹 Meningococcal Vaccines: Progress, Innovation, and the Path Forward for Africa – Dr Lawrence Akunga, Sanofi, Kenya, explores new developments driving protection across the continent.

Together, these sessions emphasise the power of innovation, collaboration, and local leadership in strengthening Africa’s immunisation future.