MEDIA ADVISORY

High-Level Side Event on Immunization Progress and Renewed Commitment to Universal Immunization in Africa

INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What: High-level Side Event under the theme "Reaffirming Africa’s Commitment to Immunization: A Call for Action to Strengthen Health Systems.’

On the sidelines of the 38^th AU Summit, a high-level side event will dive into Africa’s progress on immunization and what’s next. The goal? To renew Africa’s commitment to universal immunization, building on the Addis Declaration on Immunization (ADI), which has helped boost vaccine coverage, political support, and delivery systems since 2017.

Despite progress, challenges remain—COVID-19 disrupted immunization programs, vaccine access is still unequal, and funding gaps persist. This session will tackle these issues and highlight the need to strengthen primary health care systems to ensure vaccines reach everyone and to better prepare for future health crises.Co-hosted by Africa CDC, Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF, the event will bring together key players to strategize on keeping Africa’s immunization momentum strong

When: February 16, 2025 

Time: 18:00 to 21:00 EAT
Where: Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Key Speakers:

Guest of Honor – HE Julius Maada Bio President of the Republic of Sierra Leone

H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa - The Deputy Chairperson

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa CDC

Dr Sania Nishtar- Gavi the Vaccine Alliance CEO

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General

Mr. George Laryea-Adjei, Director of UNICEF programme group

Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development

Objectives of the Event:

1. Present the findings of the ADI progress report and assess Africa’s immunization coverage improvements.
2. Renew Africa’s political commitment to immunization by highlighting its importance in improving health systems and reducing child mortality.
3. Address the barriers hindering immunization, especially amid pandemics and emerging health threats.
4. Strengthen partnerships for immunization advocacy and call for increased domestic investments in immunization programs.

Attendance for members of the press is by invitation only.

For more information contact:

Derrick Oduck Ochuot | African Union Commission | Email: OchuotD@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int  

Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Ochiengj@Africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube