Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the DR Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda, will now introduce the vaccine into their routine immunization programmes for the first time
Since the vaccine was introduced in parts of Kenya, hospitalizations for children under 5 for severe malaria have fallen substantially, and there is a drop in child deaths
African Vaccination Week and World Immunization Week (24–30 April) theme is “The Big Catch-Up”, to reach kids who missed vaccinations, and to restore and strengthen routine immunization programmes
Twelve African countries are currently reporting cases, as WHO supports countries in disease detection and stepping up readiness and provides medical supplies.