Year: 2025 | Month: January-March | Volume: 10 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 73-80
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20250109
A Review of Factors Influencing Routine Immunization Coverage and Vaccine Program Effectiveness in Africa
Arise Victor Oluwaseyifunmi1, Ibrahim Rukayat Motunrayo2, Sodunke Taiwo Ganiyat3, Andorbe Bernard Andorbe4, Olotu Bosede Folakemi5
1Department of Public Health Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
2Department of Public Health, Kwara State University, Nigeria.
3Department of Public Health, Fountain University, Nigeria.
4Department of Medicine, Rostov State Medical University, Russia.
5Department of Public Health, Kwara State University, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Arise Victor Oluwaseyifunmi
ABSTRACT
Immunization is a straightforward part of preventive health and has slashed incidences of some associated diseases spectacularly, especially in Africa where these diseases contribute predominantly to high mortality. Generally, vaccines are amongst the most cost-effective interventions in global health, yet achieving equitable immunization coverage in the continent is perennial. This is a comprehensive review of challenges that re-equate universal immunization coverage in Africa where social, economic, infrastructure, and cultural factors were discussed. Remote regions experience lack of healthcare services and struggle to access vaccines and those living in urban environments are exposed to misinformation and thus, doubting the trustworthiness of health care services. Also, individuals from low-income families who cannot afford the indirect costs of vaccination continually contribute the problem. Lack of political support, grossly underfunded health systems and weak surrogacy also weaken immunization programs through inadequate staffing, lack of adequate vaccine supply and cold chain maintenance embarrassment. The review also captures success stories of immunization including the introduction of the MenAfriVac, meningitis belt in Africa which rapidly has reduced cases of meningitis. Also, the vaccination campaigns in Ghana and Malawi showed high success as a result of political commitment coupled with funding and community ownership. The review recommends urgency of the promising call to surmount the barriers with a corresponding vaccine program monitoring and evaluation to preach the immunization progress across Africa.
Keywords: Immunization coverage, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine-preventable diseases, Africa