Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the essential programme on immunization and paving the way for the future of immunization in Central Africa

• Published in: Public health in practice (Oxford, England) Vol. 10; p. 100628
• Main Authors: Mboussou, Franck, Mulumba, Audry, Traore, Celestin, Morand, Martin, Ndula, Shalom Tchokfe, Mbailamen, Antoinette Demian, Bizimana, Jean Claude, Wiysonge, Charles Shey, Impouma, Benido
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2025; Elsevier
• Subjects: Internal Medicine; Public Health
• ISSN: 2666-5352; 2666-5352
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2025.100628

The Managers of the Essential Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Central Africa meet annually to review progress made, share experiences and lessons learned from the implementation of national immunization programmes. The 2024 annual meeting coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the EPI. Indeed, the EPI has contributed significantly to increasing the number of vaccines included in national routine immunization schedules as well as the number of children vaccinated yearly, even though most countries are still off track towards achieving the 2030 immunization agenda targets. Disruptions of routine immunization caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased burden of zero-dose children and under-immunized children. Leaders of Gavi Alliance agencies (WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi Secretariat) called for sustained efforts to ensure universal access to routine vaccinations as the 50th anniversary of the EPI in Central Africa was celebrated. It is critical to learn from 50 years of routine immunization service delivery and pave the way toward a more effective and efficient EPI.