Child Immunization: Study Reveals a Decline in Basic Vaccine Coverage in Rwanda

Rwanda’s childhood immunization program has for decades been a cornerstone of the country’s public health strategy, significantly reducing preventable infectious diseases and contributing to a steady decline in child mortality. Widely regarded as one of the strongest immunization systems in the region, the program has helped safeguard millions of children. However, new findings suggest that recent gains may be under pressure, underscoring the need for renewed vigilance and targeted interventions.

According to the Seventh Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 7), conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the proportion of children who receive all basic vaccines declined by 2 percent compared to levels recorded since 2020. The trend has raised concern among health authorities and development partners, as it signals persistent gaps in immunization coverage and continued exposure of some children to vaccine-preventable diseases.

Despite this decline, Rwanda remains among Africa’s leading countries in childhood vaccination coverage. The survey, however, reveals that approximately eight out of every 100 children do not complete the full schedule of basic immunizations. While the majority of children are fully vaccinated, a notable minority continues to miss one or more doses due to factors such as socio-economic constraints, limited awareness of vaccination schedules, and inadequate access to timely and accurate information.

At a health center in Huye District, parents interviewed by Top Africa News acknowledged the critical role vaccines play in protecting children’s health. Mukamana Claudine, a mother of two, described immunization as a core parental responsibility.
“Vaccines protect children from serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases. A child who is not vaccinated faces serious risks, which is why I make every effort to bring my children to the health center on time,” she said.

Nonetheless, other parents admitted that practical challenges often interfere with strict adherence to immunization schedules. Niyonzima Jean Claude, a resident of Ngoma Sector, noted that competing daily responsibilities can result in missed appointments. “There are times when work or family obligations take priority, and the vaccination date passes without notice. Once that happens, it is not always easy to follow up immediately,” he explained.

Information gaps also remain a significant barrier. Uwase Marie Jeanne pointed out that some parents lack a clear understanding of different vaccines and the appropriate timing for each dose.
“When information is not communicated in a simple and accessible way, some families are left behind,” she said, highlighting the importance of effective community outreach, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Health experts stress that immunization remains one of the most cost-effective and reliable public health interventions. Dr. Sibomana Hassan, Head of the Immunization Program at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), urged parents to take vaccination schedules seriously. “Every vaccine administered to a child serves a specific purpose. Missing even a single dose leaves a child inadequately protected. That is why we continue to encourage parents to observe vaccination dates closely and make regular visits to health facilities,” he said.

Dr. Sibomana further noted that vaccines have played a decisive role in reducing diseases such as polio, tetanus, measles, and other serious childhood illnesses that once posed a major public health burden.

The 2025 NISR findings indicate that while Rwanda’s immunization system remains strong and well-coordinated, persistent gaps must be addressed particularly in reaching families in remote locations and those facing socio-economic hardship. Health professionals warn that without intensified public awareness campaigns and improved information delivery mechanisms, the number of children missing full immunization could rise, threatening both individual lives and broader public health achievements.

Public health analysts recommend scaling up community education initiatives, strengthening digital reminder systems such as SMS alerts, and enhancing collaboration among health workers, community health volunteers, and local authorities. As Rwanda continues to position child health as a pillar of sustainable development, ensuring that every child receives all recommended vaccines on time remains a shared responsibility one that requires sustained commitment from parents, communities, and institutions alike.