The continent, wide Africa Vaccination week is observed from April 24 to April 30.

The campaign is aimed at boosting immunisation coverage and preventing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable disease among children. 

According to the department essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years. 

Vaccination accounts for 40% of the improvement in infant survival and more children now live to see their first birthday and beyond than at any other time in human history. 

Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of the saved lives. 

Mpumalanga Health Department's Immunisation Manager, Eugene Mashabane, "Immunisation is a process where a person gets protected through vaccines. It helps the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens like viruses and bacteria. The 2025 theme under Africa vaccination week is 'Immunisation for all humanly possible'." 

--SABC--