Madagascar news and features

Kenya becomes the first country to protect girls against cervical cancer with GAVI-supported human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

Historic agreements show power of innovative public-private partnership

More than 180,000 girls in eight developing countries are set to receive protection against the leading cause of cervical cancer thanks to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines funded by the GAVI Alliance.

The GAVI Alliance celebrated the accomplishments of 12 countries in increasing access to immunisation during a ceremony last night at the GAVI Partners’ Forum. The ceremony was hosted by the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Tanzanian radio host Taji Liunn.

Madagascar marked the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines into its national immunisation programme with a high level ceremony in the coastal town of Vatomandry attended by the Prime Minister, donors, health workers and local communities.

A vaccine against the leading cause of pneumonia is protecting millions more children in developing countries, according to figures compiled to mark the fourth World Pneumonia Day.

Immunisation against primary cause of pneumonia kickstarts celebration of Mother and Child Health Week

13 countries receive awards; government leaders, parliamentarians and civil society groups receive special recognitions

Rotavirus vaccines will protect children from severe and deadly diarrhoea.

Sudan's introduction of rotavirus vaccine earlier this year signalled the start of a wave of African countries ready to counter the world's leading cause of diarrhoeal deaths with GAVI support. In September, the Alliance approved funding for 12 more African countries to introduce the rotavirus vaccine.