"These achievements were made possible through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)", a WHO initiative launched in 1974, in a "global effort" to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for all children, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status, the organization said in a statement to mark the release of the report with the new data.

The report, which assesses the impact of life-saving vaccines, was released today, at the start of this year's Africa Vaccination Week and World Immunization Week, which runs from 24 to 30 April under the theme "Vaccines work for all".

With the support of WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and others, most countries in Africa now receive antigens for 13 vaccine-preventable diseases. At the start of EPI, the region received antigens for only six diseases.

According to WHO, vaccination has led to a 15 million reduction in measles deaths in the past 22 years. And the continent has also seen a dramatic decline in meningitis deaths by 39% in 2019 compared with 2000.

In addition, "maternal and neonatal tetanus has been virtually eliminated in the region, and in a historic public health achievement, the African region was declared free of wild polio in 2022, after years of tireless work to protect all children from the virus," the organization said in the statement.

"From disease prevention to disease eradication, the success story of vaccines is compelling. Millions of people are alive and healthy today because of the protection vaccines provide," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, quoted in the statement.

"Today we celebrate the monumental strides that governments and partners across Africa have made over the past five decades to ensure that many more children on the continent live to see their fifth birthday, thanks to immunization," said UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Director, Etleva Khadilli.

"Children who are not vaccinated, or under-vaccinated, often come from communities that lack access to essential social services. We must focus our efforts on reaching them and ensuring they receive the life-saving vaccines and other services they need. Together, with leaders and communities, we can make this a reality," said UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Director, Gilles Fagninou, also quoted in the statement.

Meanwhile, the introduction of new vaccines, such as the first-ever malaria vaccine, and the expansion of existing ones, such as the vaccine that protects against the leading cause of cervical cancer, also give future generations in Africa "the opportunity to thrive", WHO said.

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