50th Anniversary Celebration of the Expanded Immunization Programme in Sao Tome and Principe

The 2024 African Vaccination Week was launched with great enthusiasm in the community of Madalena, in the district of Mé-zochi. The event, organized by the Minister of Health, Ângela COSTA, saw the participation of key figures such as the President of the District Chamber of Mé-zochi, Anahory Dias, and WHO Resident Representative, Dr. Françoise BIGIRIMANA.

The celebration also marked the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Immunization Programme (EPI), with São Tomé and Príncipe commemorating its 46th year of EPI implementation. The country has achieved significant milestones in immunization, including the elimination of wild Polio and measles cases.

While São Tomé and Príncipe has been a leader in vaccination coverage in the central Africa sub-region, recent data shows a decline in vaccination rates. The country has seen a reduction in coverage from 94% in 2019 to 86% in 2023 for Pentavalent 3, with a decrease in fully vaccinated children from 70.2% in 2017 to 65.2% in 2023.

The WHO Representative commended São Tomé and Príncipe for its past achievements but highlighted the importance of increasing vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks. The Minister of Health emphasized the need for greater engagement from health professionals, parents, and partners to address the declining rates.

The event also recognized the efforts of top-performing professionals and districts in immunization, while outlining plans for future support and capacity building to improve vaccination coverage. Globally, vaccination has been instrumental in saving millions of lives over the past 50 years, with significant progress in eradicating diseases like smallpox and wild poliovirus.

The rollout of new vaccines, such as the malaria vaccine, offers hope for a future free of malaria in Africa. With more than 30 countries in the region expressing interest in the malaria vaccine, the fight against preventable diseases continues to evolve.