Lesotho will roll out life-course vaccination services at all health facilities nationwide from today until 30 April as part of World Immunisation Week 2026.
The global observance, marked in the last week of April, runs this year under the theme: “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work.”
The campaign highlights how vaccines have safely protected families and communities for decades and continue to guard against more than 30 life-threatening diseases and infections.
According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), vaccines have saved over 150 million lives since 1974. That protection covers diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus. Newer vaccines against malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola, and mpox are now extending that shield to more people at every stage of life.
WHO highlights that despite the gains, global gaps remain, with data showing that 20 million children missed at least one vaccine dose in 2024.
“Vaccines have long been one of the most powerful tools in public health,” WHO said in its campaign statement.
It noted that over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives; not by accident, but because ordinary people made the decision to protect themselves, their children, and their communities.
World Immunisation Week aims to promote collective action and ensure governments have the guidance and technical support to run high-quality immunisation programmes. The ultimate goal: more people and communities protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
As part of the observance, Lesotho will offer life-course vaccination services across all health facilities throughout the week. The key message emphasises that vaccines are safe and effective.
In addition to routine services, WHO revealed that outreach vaccination activities will be conducted in selected communities and schools. Communities will be informed in advance and are encouraged to bring eligible children and individuals for vaccination.
The drive aims to improve coverage and build immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases.
WHO works with countries to raise awareness of the value of vaccines and immunisation. This year’s campaign urges the public to “show the world that some family traditions are worth passing on.”
