PAMJ Supplements

Fifty years of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in Africa

The supplement will showcase the efforts of immunization programmes across countries, serving as an opportunity for documenting innovative practices and solutions, successes and challenges, which are important for advocacy. The supplement will provide the opportunity to thoroughly document how governments and partners navigate the dynamic problems that affect immunization programmes to promote systems learning, reinforce advocacy and strengthen future strategic plans. The supplement publication will feature commentaries, essays, perspectives as well as descriptive analyses across various program areas, using available programmatic data from the immunisation and disease surveillance areas. Where available, attempts will be made to include research done using primary data. The supplement will prioritize papers from countries, giving a platform to national immunisation programs and researchers at country level to share their experiences with the wider scientific community.

Guest Editors:

Charles Shey Wiysonge, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville (Congo)
Balcha Masresha, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville (Zimbabwe)
Raoul Kamadjeu, UNICEF, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, New York, (United States)
Antoinette Ba-Nguz, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi (Kenya)
Abdu Abdullahi Adamu, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (Congo)
Duduzile Ndwandwe, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, (South Africa)

Contact Email: Charles Shey Wiysonge, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville (Congo)

Supplement booklet (PDF) not available

Editorial PDF - 179 KB

Fifty years of immunization in Africa: reflecting on the past, celebrating progress, and shaping the future

Charles Shey Wiysonge

Pan African Medical Journal. 11 June 2025. 51(1): 1

Perspectives PDF - 286 KB

A perspective on essential components for adaptability and scalability to enhance equity-driven vaccination interventions: lessons from Mozambique and Malawi

Linda Shuro, Hanani Tabana, Emily Lawrence, Jocelyn Powelson, Gaspar Come, Lucia Knight, Helen Schneider

Pan African Medical Journal. 11 June 2025. 51(1): 2

Obituary PDF - 173 KB

Dr Robin Biellik (1949 — 2024)

Jean-Marie Okwo-Bele

Pan African Medical Journal. 11 June 2025. 51(1): 3

Essay PDF - 237 KB

New approaches to measles eradication, with special reference to Africa

William Mbabazi, Robert Davis

Pan African Medical Journal. 13 June 2025. 51(1): 4

Commentary PDF - 183 KB

Can implementation research be a game changer for measles elimination in Africa?

Abdu Abdullahi Adamu, Balcha Girma Masresha, Charles Shey Wiysonge

Pan African Medical Journal. 13 June 2025. 51(1): 5

Editorial PDF - 177 KB

We need to embed implementation research in immunization programmes in Africa

Charles Shey Wiysonge, Abdu Abdullahi Adamu

Pan African Medical Journal. 13 June 2025. 51(1): 6

Commentary PDF - 614 KB

Towards making immunization programmes in Africa more successful: a primer on implementation research

Abdu Abdullahi Adamu, Chukwudi Arnest Nnaji, Echezona Edozie Ezeanolue, Charles Shey Wiysonge

Pan African Medical Journal. 13 June 2025. 51(1): 7

Research PDF - 755 KB

Insights from a measles outbreak root cause analysis in Ethiopia - 2024

Mikias Alayu Alemu, Sisay Temesgen Dema, Habtamu Alemay Anteneh, Habtamu Tilahun Guade, Abay Hagos Gebrekidan, Amare Mengistu Mersha, Gebre Asmamaw Lakew, Yonas Asefa Tufa, Endale Zemene Shibeshi, Gizaw Teka Nibzane, Fasil Teshager Hailemariam, Yamlak Gindola Kita, Fentaw Yimam, Wondimu Bekele Ayana, Tirhas Hailekiros, Kefyalew Amene, Rahel Atakilti, Emebet Alemu, Ommer Yeshaw, Sarai Malumo, Melkamu Ayalew Kokebe, Mesfin Wossen Getaneh, Melkamu Abte Afele, Balcha Girma Masresha

Pan African Medical Journal. 13 June 2025. 51(1): 8

Brief PDF - 284 KB

Vaccines as antimicrobial resistance control tools: evidence from pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in South Africa

Chinwe Iwu-Jaja, Akhona Victress Mazingisa, Anelisa Jaca, Chidozie Declan Iwu, Charles Shey Wiysonge

Pan African Medical Journal. 13 June 2025. 51(1): 9

Research PDF - 680 KB

The evolving landscape of rubella in the WHO African Region

Balcha Masresha, Richard Luce, Reggis Katsande, Goitom Weldegebriel, Charles Wiysonge

Pan African Medical Journal. 17 June 2025. 51(1): 10

Commentary PDF - 500 KB

Advancing vaccine manufacturing in Africa: a new era for immunisation programmes towards self-sufficiency

Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy, Roseline Dzekem Dine, Clovis Nchinjoh Sangwe, Nancy B Tahmo, Eugene Vernyuy Yeika, Clinton Njakoi Kwemu, Jean-Claude Kindzeka Wirsiy, Denis Ebot Ako-Arrey

Pan African Medical Journal. 19 June 2025. 51(1): 11

Commentary PDF - 276 KB

Generating implementation evidence in clinical trials of vaccines and immunization-related technologies to reduce evidence-to-policy delays

Abdu Abdullahi Adamu, Patrick de Marie Katoto, Charles Shey Wiysonge

Pan African Medical Journal. 24 July 2025. 51(1): 12

Research PDF - 599 KB

Epidemiological investigation of measles outbreak in a refugee settlement in Lamwo District, Uganda

Bob Omoda Amodan, Emmanuel Ssendikwanawa, Josephine Namayanja, Bob Rolex Opio, Godfrey Biroma, Job Morukileng, Denis Ochula, Micheal Baganizi

Pan African Medical Journal. 25 July 2025. 51(1): 13

Research PDF in process

Rollout of the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine in the African meningitis belt countries from 2010 to 2023: progress, challenges, and future directions

André Arsène Bita Fouda, Antoine Durupt, Ado Mpia Bwaka, Carol Tevi Benissan, Anderson Latt, Clément Lingani, Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, Denis Kako Nga Kandolo, Katsande Reggis, Gautier Bikindou, Shibeshi Messeret Eshetu, Joseph Nsiari-muzeyi Biey, Marcellin Nimpa, Aschalew Teka Bekele, Crépin Hilaire Dadjo, Abdu Abdullahi Adamu, Franck Fortune Roland Mboussou, Adidja Amani, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Benido Impouma, Marie-Pierre Preziosi

Pan African Medical Journal. 19 August 2025. 51(1): 14

Research PDF in process

Switching from 10-dose to using 5-dose measles-containing vaccine vial presentation: lessons from 7 countries in the WHO African Region

Balcha Girma Masresha, Aschalew Teka Bekele, Rebakaone Bowe, Maggie Archbold, Joseph Nsiari-muzeyi Biey, Pamela Mitula, Yolande Vuo Masembe, Sylvestre Dongmo, Felix Amate Elime, Charles Atud Teboh

Pan African Medical Journal. 26 August 2025. 51(1): 15

Research PDF in process

Towards an African Region free of meningitis epidemics by 2030: vision, progress, challenges and future directions

André Arsène Bita Fouda, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Anderson Latt, Clément Lingani, Ado Mpia Bwaka, Sinayoko Abdoulaye, Lorenzo Pezzoli, Fernandez Katya, Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, Shibeshi Messeret Eshetu, Djimtebaye Djimtola, Gautier Bikindou, Crépin Hilaire Dadjo, Joseph Nsiari-muzeyi Biey, Abdu Abdullahi Adamu, Franck Fortune Roland Mboussou, Benido Impouma

Pan African Medical Journal. 26 August 2025. 51(1): 16

Research PDF in process

Progress, challenges and priorities in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus in the African region from 2016 to 2024: cross-sectional retrospective analysis

André Arsène Bita Fouda, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Nasir Yusuf, Balcha Girma Masresha, Ado Mpia Bwaka, Joseph Nsiari-muzeyi Biey, Crépin Hilaire Dadjo, Shibeshi Messeret Eshetu, Franck Fortune Roland Mboussou, Gautier Bikindou Landou, Abdu Abdullahi Adamu, Diana Chang-Blanc, Benido Impouma

Pan African Medical Journal. 05 September 2025. 51(1): 17

Research PDF in process

Measles outbreak: knowledge, vaccine hesitancy, health-seeking practices among caregivers of children with measles and factors associated with measles transmission in Sanyati District, Zimbabwe, 2022

Tendai Munetsi, Daniel Chirundu, Addmore Chadambuka, Tsitsi Patience Juru, Gerald Shambira, Notion Tafara Gombe, Mufuta Tshimanga, Richard Makurumidze

Pan African Medical Journal. 05 September 2025. 51(1): 18

Research PDF in process

Five decades of progress in vaccine-preventable disease surveillance and immunization coverage in East and Southern Africa: focus on polio and measles

Daudi Manyanga, Charles Byabamazima, Charles Teboh, Goitom Weldegebriel, Charles Muitherero, Brine Masvikeni, Maryanna Ochieng, Sarah Wanyoike

Pan African Medical Journal. 10 September 2025. 51(1): 19

Essay PDF in process

African vaccination week in West Africa: untapped potential

Crépin Hilaire Dadjo, Hadiatou Diallo, Sylvain Honoré Woromogo, André Arsène Bita Fouda, Ado Mpia Bwaka

Pan African Medical Journal. 10 September 2025. 51(1): 20

Research PDF in process

Qualitative review on type two circulating polio virus outbreak in Ethiopia: a thematic analysis approach, 2020

Yonas Assefa Tufa, Mikiyas Alayu Alemu, Negash Abera, Ahmed Mohammed, Alemu Zenebe, Belay Makango, Shiferaw Tesfaye Tilahun, Yoseph Nigussie, Birhanu Regassa, Tsegaye Getachew, Hebron Mekonen, Assebe Feyera, Mintesnot Hawaz, Ermiyas Woldie, Yibeyin Mulualem, Senait Alemayehu, Zerihun Doda, Yaregal Fufa

Pan African Medical Journal. 16 September 2025. 51(1): 21

Research PDF in process

A decade of progress and challenges in government support for routine immunization in East and Southern Africa (2015-2024)

Daudi Manyanga, Charles Byabamazima, Brine Masvikeni, Maryanna Ochieng, Sarah Wanyoike

Pan African Medical Journal. 17 September 2025. 51(1): 22

Research PDF in process

Drivers of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance performance: insights from a surveillance peer review in high- and low-performing districts in Zimbabwe

Maxwell Rupfutse, Wondu Asefa Gebresilasie, Amen Gumbo, Florence Shirehwa, Nomore Nyengerai, Mary Munyoro, Joan Marembo, Alex Mafuzhe

Pan African Medical Journal. 17 September 2025. 51(1): 23

Research PDF in process

Progress on implementation of immunization agenda 2030 (IA2030) in the WHO African region: achievements, lessons learned and priorities

Aschalew Teka Bekele, Balcha Girma Masresha, André Arsène Bita Fouda, Pamela Mitula, Ado Bwaka, Sarah Wanyoike, Sidy Ndiaye, Amos Petu, Adidja Amani, Johnson Muluh Ticha, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Benido Impouma

Pan African Medical Journal. 23 September 2025. 51(1): 24

Research PDF in process

The evolution of Tanzania´s poliomyelitis surveillance system since the introduction of the expanded program on immunization in 1975

Daudi Manyanga, Honest Nyaki, Delphinus Mujuni, Georgina Joachim, Abdul Ameir Saleh, Brine Masvikeni, Boniface Makelemo, Charles Byabamazima, Sarah Wanyoike

Pan African Medical Journal. 07 October 2025. 51(1): 25

Commentary PDF in process

Translating Africa's local vaccine ambition into measurable benchmarks: a country readiness assessment index (CRAI) to accelerate Africa's vaccine manufacturing

Uchenna Anderson Amaechi, Justice Nonvignon, Chukwudi Arnest Nnaji, Kelechi Julian Uzor, Ryuichi Komatsu, Solomon Nwaka, Nicolas Ray

Pan African Medical Journal. 08 October 2025. 51(1): 26

Research PDF in process

Trends and insights of data quality in the expanded programme on immunization East and Southern Africa sub region: (1974-2024)

Maryanna Ochieng, Daudi Manyanga, Brine Masvikeni, Charles Byabamazima, Sarah Wanyoike

Pan African Medical Journal. 08 October 2025. 51(1): 27

Essay PDF in process

Fifty years of immunisation in Africa: the evolution of vaccine supply chains

Chinwe Juliana Iwu-Jaja, Akhona Victress Mazingisa, Chidozie Declan Iwu, Charles Shey Wiysonge

Pan African Medical Journal. 10 October 2025. 51(1): 28

Research PDF in process

Resurgence of diphtheria outbreaks in the African Region 2023-2024

André Arsène Bita Fouda, Charles Shey Wiysonge, Balcha Girma Masresha, Ahmadou Diallo, Alain Blaise Tatsinkou, Patrick Cossy Otim Ramadan, Junholv Obo, John Otshudiema, Aschalew Teka Bekele, Joseph Nsiari-muzeyi Biey, Gautier Bikindou, Charles Lukoya Okot, Marcellin Nimpa Mengouo, Abdu Abdullahi Adamu, Castilla Echenique Jorge, Franck Fortune Roland Mboussou, Ado Mpia Bwaka, Benido Impouma

Pan African Medical Journal. 10 October 2025. 51(1): 29

Commentary PDF in process

Insight on the role of imaging in Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa

Stephen Ohikhuemei Izevbekhai, Anthony Owolabi, Pamela Faith Isioma Irabor, Joseph Okoeguale, Cyril Erameh, Peter Okokhere, Sylvanus Akhaluefo Okogbenin, George Obozokhale Akpede, Reuben Agbons Eifediyi

Pan African Medical Journal. 10 October 2025. 51(1): 30

Letter to the editors PDF in process

Facteurs associés aux occasions manquées de vaccination chez les enfants de 0 à 23 mois dans les districts sanitaires de Ziniaré et Nongr-Massom au Burkina Faso en 2024

Ahmed Kabore, Wendinpassédé Roland Nouktara, Relwendé Aristide Yameogo, Rayendé Juste Romaric Soubyabiga, Félicité Nana, Abdoulaye Hama Diallo, Nicolas Meda

Pan African Medical Journal. 17 October 2025. 51(1): 31

Research PDF in process

Stakeholders´ perspectives of a design thinking-informed intervention to reduce zero-dose burden and improve immunisation services in Kano State, Nigeria: a qualitative study

Abisoye Oyeyemi, Ebuka Nwafia, Ganiyat Eshikhena, Uche Ibe, Olamide Akeboi, Godwin Idim, Mannir Ahmad, Alice Ogenyi, Koko Aadum, Geraldine Mbagwu, Dupsy Akoma, Ifeoma Ezenyi, Auwal Idris, Sa´adatu Ibrahim, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, Ibrahim Aliyu Umar, Theresa Sommers, Chijioke Kaduru

Pan African Medical Journal. 17 October 2025. 51(1): 32

Research PDF in process

Congenital rubella syndrome in Ethiopia: a retrospective review of records in four tertiary hospitals

Habtamu Alemay Anteneh, Abayneh Demissie, Sarai Malumo, Mekonnen Admassu Mekonnen, Wondimu Bekele, Melkamu Ayalew, Yohannes Lakew, Mariamawit Asfaw, Balcha Girma Masresha

Pan African Medical Journal. 21 October 2025. 51(1): 33

Perspectives PDF in process

Polio eradication in Africa: overcoming the final hurdles

Alpha Umaru Bai-Sesay, Chizaram Anselm Onyeaghala, Mark Anum Nortey, Abdullahi Hassan, Ebuka Louis Anyamene

Pan African Medical Journal. 28 October 2025. 51(1): 34

Perspectives PDF in process

The next 50 years of immunization in Africa: harnessing lessons from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to build climate-resilient vaccine systems

Alpha Umaru Bai-Sesay, Chizaram Anselm Onyeaghala, Mark Anum Nortey, Abdullahi Hassan, Ebuka Louis Anyamene

Pan African Medical Journal. 28 October 2025. 51(1): 35

Research PDF in process

Integrated delivery of health services with routine immunization: a fifty-year perspective towards strengthening primary health care in East and Southern Africa countries

Daudi Manyanga, Maryanna Ochieng, Sarah Wanyoike

Pan African Medical Journal. 03 December 2025. 51(1): 36

Research PDF in process

Door-to-door vaccination in a fragile urban setting: results from descriptive observational study in Bangui, Central African Republic

Annamaria Doro Altan, Emanuela Ruggieri, Gianluca Salonia, Yvon Sadrack Bessarin, Marina Ciardo, Gabriella Bortolot, Boris Tchenebou, Noel Ningalao, Stefano Orlando, Paola Scarcella, Fausto Ciccacci

Pan African Medical Journal. 04 December 2025. 51(1): 37

Commentary PDF in process

Vaccines and antimicrobial resistance: opportunities for immunization programmes in the African Region

Chinwe Iwu-Jaja, Andre Arsene Bita Fouda, Sara Wanyoike, Morubula Manamela, Chidozie Declan Iwu, Reena Hemendra Doshi, Charles Shey Wiysonge

Pan African Medical Journal. 04 December 2025. 51(1): 38

Research PDF in process

Immunization as a mediator of health disparities among children with disabilities in Nigeria: real-world evidence from MICS 2021 using causal mediation analysis

Hussaini Zandam, Abubakar Umar Abdurrahman

Pan African Medical Journal. 04 December 2025. 51(1): 39

Research PDF in process

Detection of rubella cases through the measles laboratory surveillance network in South-East Nigeria: 2020-2024

Chinedu Michael Chukwubike, Chioma Uju Benjamin-Puja, Constance Ugochi Azubuike, Chioma Chinyere Edu-Alamba, Elezuo Okorie Elezuo, Chuma Emembolu, Ogbonna Nwabeke, Okechukwu Ogbodo, Hyacinth Egbuna, Princess Ada Ojeanya, Jennifer Ifeoma Ajaegbu, Chinenye Ibeh, Oluchi Obioma Adighogu, Okudoh Chika David, Roseline Adolphus-Chukwuemeka, Leonard Ihedioha, Salihu Abudullahi, Blessing Ekanem, Martin Chukwuji, Olajumoke Babatunde, Mary Indyeriyo-Kaan Dooshima

Pan African Medical Journal. 08 December 2025. 51(1): 40

Research PDF in process

Improving vaccine attitudes and misinformation resistance through gamification: a pilot study in Kenya and Uganda

John Cook, Doris Njomo, Caroline Aura, Benson Wamalwa, Surangani Abeyesekera, Jacquellyn Nambi Ssanyu, Lydia Kabwijamu, Michael Ofire, Chelsey Lepage, Angus Thomson, Peter Waiswa, Wendy Cook, Stacey Lizbeth Knobler, Kathryn Lee Hopkins

Pan African Medical Journal. 10 December 2025. 51(1): 41

Research PDF in process

Profil épidémiologique des cas de rougeole au District de Santé d 'Edéa, Littoral-Cameroun de 2022 à 2023

Steve Roland Souga, Alex Stéphane Ndjip Ndjock, Ingrid Cécile Djuikoue, Shalom Ndoula Tchokfe, André Arsene Bita Fouda, Armand Seraphin Nkwescheu, Moctar Tounkara

Pan African Medical Journal. 10 December 2025. 51(1): 42