The Ethiopian Vaccins and Immunization Center of Excellence is a center of excellence dedicated to advancing knowledge, training, research, and evidence-based decision-making in vaccines and immunization in Ethiopia. The Center aims to strengthen the capacity of health professionals, researchers, academia, policymakers, and program managers to design, implement, and evaluate high-quality immunization programs in Ethiopia and beyond.

The development of vaccines and immunization in Ethiopia reflects the broader global progress in vaccination, evolving from early smallpox prevention efforts to a comprehensive life-course immunization program. Modern vaccination began in 1796 when Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine against smallpox. Jenner’s discovery marked the beginning of scientific immunization and laid the foundation for global vaccination programs.

Vaccination practices eventually reached Ethiopia during the reign of Yohannes IV between 1871 and 1889, introducing early efforts to control smallpox in the country. This period represents the initial introduction of vaccination into the Ethiopian public health landscape. Recognizing the importance of vaccination, the Ethiopian government proclaimed smallpox vaccination in 1905, marking one of the earliest formal policy actions supporting immunization in the country.

Through sustained vaccination campaigns and international collaboration, Ethiopia successfully achieved smallpox eradication in 1976. This achievement contributed to the global effort led by the World Health Organization, culminating in the worldwide eradication of smallpox. In 1980, the World Health Assembly officially declared the global eradication of smallpox, making it the first disease ever eliminated through vaccination.

Following these successes, Ethiopia launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1980. The program initially targeted major childhood vaccine-preventable diseases and included six antigens, marking the beginning of a structured national immunization system. The EPI aimed to increase access to essential vaccines and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality from diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

Over the decades, Ethiopia has significantly expanded its immunization program. Today, the national EPI includes 15 antigens and has adopted a life-course approach to immunization.

The Ethiopian Vaccins and Immunization Center of Excellence supports these national efforts by building a skilled workforce, generating evidence, and promoting innovation in immunization program. The program now targets multiple population groups, including children under five years; adolescent girls, pregnant women, and adults.

This expanded approach reflects the growing recognition that immunization is essential throughout the life course to prevent infectious diseases, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen public health systems.