🧒 Polio outbreaks stopped and millions of children vaccinated against measles and malaria

• Polio outbreaks in Indonesia and Madagascar have been officially declared over after intensive vaccination campaigns.
• Nigeria has carried out one of its largest vaccination campaigns ever, reaching approximately 106 million children.
• Malaria vaccines are now being rolled out at scale in 21 countries, and a reduced price means nearly 7 million additional children can be vaccinated over the next five years.

Polio in retreat

Polio outbreaks in Indonesia and Madagascar have been officially declared over. This followed intensive vaccination campaigns and strong engagement from local communities. The results show what is possible when families, healthcare workers and partners work together to reach every child.

New vaccines are strengthening efforts further. The introduction of the hexavalent vaccine in countries like Senegal and Mauritania means infants can now be protected against polio and other serious diseases with fewer injections.

Protection against cervical cancer

More countries are taking steps to protect girls from cervical cancer by expanding access to the HPV vaccine. Governments have begun using single-dose schedules for the HPV vaccine, making it easier to reach more adolescents. Around ten new countries introduced HPV vaccines for the first time in 2025, including Pakistan, Ghana and Nepal.

UNICEF supports countries in introducing and scaling up HPV vaccination. The organization helps countries use schools as platforms to quickly reach more girls with services and information.

Nigeria's major vaccination campaign

Nigeria carried out one of its largest vaccination campaigns ever in 2025. The campaign reached approximately 106 million children with protection against measles, rubella and polio. For the first time, rubella vaccines were introduced nationwide alongside integrated health services. This makes it easier for children to get the care they need in a single visit.

UNICEF delivers around 250 million doses of measles vaccines each year and provides support to ensure services reach children wherever they are, even in the most remote and conflict-affected areas.

Cheaper HIV prevention

A long-acting medicine called Lenacapavir is now becoming significantly more accessible thanks to a dramatic price reduction. This helps countries expand prevention efforts. Eswatini is among the first to receive the medicine, and more countries are expected to follow.

UNICEF is working with governments and partners to ensure these advances reach those who need them most, especially adolescents and pregnant women.

Malaria vaccines at scale

For the first time, malaria vaccines are being rolled out at scale, reaching families in some of the hardest-hit countries. Since January 2024, 14 countries have introduced malaria vaccines, and seven more have joined so far this year. A recently reduced price for the R21/Matrix-M vaccine means nearly 7 million additional children can be fully vaccinated against malaria over the next five years.

In Sudan, a mass campaign distributed nearly 15.6 million insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent the spread of malaria and protect the most vulnerable families and children.

Local production of syringes increases

In 2025, significant progress was made in securing long-term agreements to procure syringes and safety boxes from manufacturers in Africa. Starting in 2026, 52 percent of UNICEF-procured syringes will be produced in Africa, up from less than 10 percent in 2023.

At the same time, new delivery methods are being tested, such as shipping vaccines by sea. This helps reduce costs, cut emissions and make it easier to get life-saving vaccines to even the most remote communities.

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