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Five African countries have agreed to strengthen immunisation systems and reduce the number of zero-dose children. Delegations from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Djibouti and The Gambia met in Dakar, Senegal, from September 29 to October 2, 2026.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Delegations from five African countries met in Dakar, Senegal, to discuss ways to strengthen immunisation systems. The meeting, which took place from September 29 to October 2, 2026, was organised by Galien Africa in collaboration with Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene.
The delegations shared their respective challenges, innovations and good practices in immunisation and efforts to reach zero-dose children. They also visited Senegal’s Directorate of Prevention and Immunisation Division and the Dakar Centre health district to observe approaches to vaccine stock management and distribution.
The visits highlighted the importance of human support in digital transformation. After hands-on coaching, the proportion of active users of the Tracker system increased from 50 per cent to more than 90 per cent.
The delegations adopted national mini-roadmaps and identified common priorities for regional cooperation. They discussed key issues such as domestic and local financing, innovative resource mobilisation, community participation and the professionalisation of community health workers.
Senegal, as host of the first regional mission, shared its experience in digital transformation. The country demonstrated how vaccination services can be adapted to the realities and schedules of families through mobile immunisation interventions.
The initiative forms part of a regional effort launched during the Ministerial Dinner held on the sidelines of the 2025 Galien Forum Africa. The goal is to use peer learning to accelerate immunisation and sustainably reduce the number of zero-dose children.
Key facts
- Five African countries met in Dakar, Senegal, to discuss ways to strengthen immunisation systems.
- The meeting was organised by Galien Africa in collaboration with Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene.
- The delegations adopted national mini-roadmaps and identified common priorities for regional cooperation.
- The goal is to use peer learning to accelerate immunisation and sustainably reduce the number of zero-dose children.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The meeting brought together representatives from the five countries, alongside academic, technical and financial partners. The initiative aims to reduce the number of zero-dose children. The outcome of the meeting will be closely watched by health experts.
Positive
The adoption of national mini-roadmaps and common priorities for regional cooperation is a significant step forward. The use of peer learning to accelerate immunisation has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing the number of zero-dose children.
Negative
The number of zero-dose children remains a significant challenge in the region. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the ability of the countries to implement their national mini-roadmaps and work together to address common challenges.
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