Polio, Malaria & HPV Vaccines: Global Health Progress in 2025

Significant progress is being made on multiple fronts in global health, with polio outbreaks declared over in Indonesia and Madagascar and widespread rollout of vaccines for malaria and HPV. These advancements, coupled with increased access to HIV prevention and a bolstering of local vaccine production, signal a potential turning point in the fight against infectious diseases.

Polio on the Retreat

Polio outbreaks in Indonesia and Madagascar have officially ended following intensive vaccination campaigns and strong community engagement. This outcome demonstrates the power of collaboration between families, healthcare workers, and partner organizations in reaching every child. The introduction of the hexavalent vaccine in countries like Senegal and Mauritania further strengthens these efforts, protecting infants against polio and other serious illnesses with fewer injections.

Did You Know? Four large-scale vaccination campaigns in Madagascar enabled the country to reach 95% vaccination coverage, a pivotal factor in stopping polio transmission.

Protection Against Cervical Cancer

More countries are taking steps to protect girls against cervical cancer by expanding access to the HPV vaccine. Governments are adopting single-dose schedules for the HPV vaccine, making it easier to reach more young people. Approximately ten new countries introduced the HPV vaccine for the first time in 2025, including Pakistan, Ghana, and Nepal. UNICEF supports countries in implementing and scaling up HPV vaccination programs, utilizing schools as platforms to reach more girls with services and information.

Nigeria’s Large Vaccination Campaign

Nigeria conducted one of its largest vaccination campaigns ever in 2025, reaching around 106 million children with protection against measles, rubella, and polio. For the first time, rubella vaccine was introduced nationally alongside integrated health services, simplifying healthcare access for children. UNICEF delivers approximately 250 million doses of measles vaccine annually, providing support to ensure services reach children even in the most remote and conflict-affected areas.

More Affordable HIV Prevention

A long-acting medication called Lenacapavir is now becoming more accessible due to a significant price reduction, aiding countries in expanding prevention efforts. Eswatini is among the first to receive the medication, with more countries expected to follow. UNICEF is working with governments and partners to ensure these advancements reach those who need them most, particularly youth and pregnant women.

Malaria Vaccine Rollout on a Large Scale

For the first time, malaria vaccines are being rolled out on a large scale, reaching families in some of the hardest-hit countries. Since January 2024, 14 countries have introduced malaria vaccines, with an additional seven joining this year. A recent price reduction for the R21/Matrix-M vaccine means that nearly 7 million more children can be fully vaccinated against malaria over the next five years. In Sudan, a mass campaign distributed almost 15.6 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent the spread of malaria and protect vulnerable families and children.

Expert Insight: The successful implementation of vaccination campaigns, as seen in Madagascar and Nigeria, highlights the critical role of community involvement and strong partnerships in achieving public health goals.

Local Production of Syringes Increases

In 2025, significant progress was made in securing long-term agreements to purchase syringes and safety boxes from manufacturers in Africa. From 2026, 52 percent of UNICEF-procured syringes will be produced in Africa, an increase from less than 10 percent in 2023. New delivery methods, such as shipping vaccines by sea, are also being tested to lower costs, reduce emissions, and facilitate access to life-saving vaccines in remote communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries have recently ended polio outbreaks?

Indonesia and Madagascar have officially declared their polio outbreaks over after intensive vaccination campaigns.

How many children were reached by Nigeria’s recent vaccination campaign?

Nigeria’s vaccination campaign reached approximately 106 million children with protection against measles, rubella, and polio.

How many additional children could be vaccinated against malaria due to the price reduction of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine?

The price reduction of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine means that nearly 7 million additional children can be fully vaccinated against malaria over the next five years.

As these advancements in global health continue, what role do you believe international collaboration will play in sustaining these positive trends and addressing future health challenges?