evidence: Sustained control, elimination and eradication of key VPDs is vital to end preventable deaths and protect the health and wellbeing of populations across the African Region. WHO works closely with countries and partners to improve immunization coverage and prevent and control VPDs, as part of broader efforts to strengthen primary health care and help countries move towards UHC. WHO supports all countries in the African Region by establishing norms and standards, developing evidence-based policies and guidance, monitoring VPD situations, contributing to health service delivery in emergency situations, and advocating with governments and partners. [...] In order to respond promptly, efficiently, and with scientific rigour to vaccine safety issues, the WHO Regional Office for Africa has established an African Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (AACVS). This committee provides independent expert advice on technical issues related to the safety, effectiveness and use of all vaccines, consistent with the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), the Regional Strategic Plan for Immunization (RSPI) and the Global Vaccine Safety Blueprint (GVSB).