Immunizations Are One of Africa's Greatest Public Health Success Stories | Future of Africa, Episode 7

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters

Immunization has transformed the health trajectory of millions in Africa — but the job is far from done. This discussion moves beyond vaccines as a medical intervention, framing them instead as a trust-building exercise between communities and health systems. You’ll come away with a clear sense of what it will take to protect Africa’s health gains and prepare for future threats.

Helen Clark offers high-level insights on vaccine diplomacy, while Dr. Jamal Ahmed unpacks the operational and political hurdles to reaching every child. Dr. Esias Bedingar adds a front-line perspective on combating misinformation and delivering care in fragile settings. Vaccines have saved millions of lives across the continent — but more work remains. This episode explores both the progress made and the gaps that still need to be closed.

Guests

• Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, former Director of UN Development Program and member of the Elders

• Dr. Jamal Ahmed, WHO Director for Polio Eradication

• Dr. Esias Bedingar, Program Manager at Big Win Philanthropy and former Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Chad.

Background Materials

Vaccination Progress in Africa – Millions of Lives Saved, WHO Africa