Vaccination is the most economical public health tool against infectious diseases, witnessing prominent advances in recent years. Fueled by COVID-19 research, innovative platforms such as mRNA and virus-like particle vaccines have accelerated vaccine development against influenza variants, mpox and malaria. The deployment of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in Africa represents landmark progress in fighting parasitic infections.

Guided by WHO’s Immunization Agenda 2030, the global Big Catch-Up campaign recovers routine immunization disrupted by the pandemic. More nations integrate HPV, pneumococcal and updated polio vaccines into national schedules, expanding vaccination across all age groups.

However, challenges remain. Regional conflicts, uneven medical resources, vaccine hesitancy and weak cold-chain systems leave millions of zero-dose children without protection. Further investment in affordable, heat-stable vaccines, equitable distribution and public health communication is essential. Joint international actions will strengthen population immunity and improve preparedness for emerging infectious threats.