HealthAfrica's childhood vaccination gap
South Africa is seeing a sharp fall in routine childhood immunisation. The share of infants under one recorded as receiving no vaccines rose to 36.3% between January and April 2026, while first-dose coverage fell to 67% in 2025. Health officials cite misinformation, missed opportunities in clinics, supply problems and population-data issues. Measles and diphtheria outbreaks have followed, while African coverage remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Africa's childhood vaccination gap
Health