A bibliometric assessment of the progress, challenges, and gaps in vaccine uptake studies in Africa

Problem considered In Africa, vaccine hesitancy persists despite increasing demand, recent efforts to establish local vaccine manufacturing, and continued calls and programmes to scale up production. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research on vaccine uptake and hesitancy in Africa, aiming to reveal historical trends, identify knowledge gaps, and inform targeted policies and interventions. Methods We retrieved and analysed 1,355 studies from the PubMed® database using a defined search strategy. Data were analysed to evaluate trends in publication volume, study design, authorship, institutional affiliations, countries of collaborations. Results Research output in Africa has grown tremendously since 2010, reaching its peak after 2020. Original research comprised over 78% of publications, while randomised controlled trials (RCT) and systematic reviews (SR) were comparatively rare. The top three journals were PLOS ONE (123), BMC Public Health (104), and Vaccines (Basel) (100). Frequently used keywords included "vaccination," "COVID-19," "vaccine hesitancy," "child," "Nigeria," and "Uganda." Thematic clusters centred around diseases (HIV, COVID-19, HPV, polio, HBV), target groups (children, adolescents, mothers, healthcare workers), sociocultural aspects (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs), and countries (Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa). Most productive authors included Charles Wiysonge (30 publications), Rosemary Burnett (11), and Moses Mukosha (10). South Africa led the contributors, followed by the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK). Institutional collaborations were limited. Conclusion Gaps remain in evidence synthesis and inter-institutional collaborations, especially in Africa. Advancing African-led research, fostering regional partnerships, and strengthening the policy relevance of scientific findings are essential to improve vaccine uptake and equity.