By Aminata Kuyateh
The Ministry of Health officials, civil society groups, media representatives and partners from across West Africa on Friday concluded a multi day validation forum in The Gambia with the adoption of a regional roadmap to support the implementation of the Continental Immunisation Strategy.
The meeting convened under the leadership of Africa CDC and hosted by the Government of The Gambia, brought together delegates from 12 West African countries to review, align and validate priorities aimed at improving immunisation coverage across the region, with particular focus on zero dose and under immunised populations.
Closing the meeting, Balla Jatta of the Ministry of Health said the roadmap is now ready for implementation, marking a shift from planning to action.
He said the process reflected a renewed commitment by countries to strengthen immunisation systems, improve coverage, and ensure accountability at national and regional levels.
PS at the Ministry of Health, Dr Yusupha Touray, described validation as a significant step for the region, noting that disease control efforts cannot stop at national borders.
He said immunisation remains central to protecting future generations and reducing pressure on health systems.
Media engagement featured prominently during the closing ceremony, with the Association of Health Journalists of The Gambia president Sally Jarjue, highlighting the role of journalists in promoting accurate information, countering misinformation and building public trust around vaccines.
The association president reaffirmed its commitment to supporting immunisation efforts through consistent and factual reporting.
Representing West African Civil Society Organisations, Prof Musa Sarr welcomed the roadmap, describing it as timely and necessary. He stressed that trust, community engagements, and domestic financing must remain central to immunisation efforts.
He added that civil society should play an active role in monitoring implementation and accountability.
Participants reached consensus on key regional priorities, including aligning national immunisation plans with continental goals, strengthening accountability mechanisms and integrating areas such as primary healthcare, digital health, supply chains, local manufacturing and domestic resource mobilisation into implementation plans.
Africa CDC National Coordinator in The Gambia, Dr Pius Ononigwe, said the Western Africa region has taken the lead among Africa CDC regions by completing and validating the roadmap.
He described the process as a major milestone and expressed hope that it would inform continental level implementation in the coming year.
Dr Pius said prevention through immunisation remains more cost effective than treatment and called for sustained collaboration among governments, partners, civil society, and the media to ensure vaccines reach all communities.
