World Health Organization (WHO) has ruled-out possible connection between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Latest analysis from a Global Expert Committee on vaccine safety disputed the perception, attributing the cause of ASD to vaccination.

However, the WHO in a statement now claims that available evidence has demonstrated that childhood vaccines do not cause autism, a condition related to brain development that affects how people see others and socialise with them

Kenya’s government is actively addressing autism through initiatives that include the proposed Autism Management Bill, 2025, that targets specific legislation beyond the general Disability Act, alongside mapping programmes and public awareness campaigns.

The proposed law calls for better resource allocation for diagnosis, therapy and support services, acknowledging significant gaps in specialised care, stigma and financial burdens faced by families.

The WHO analysis follows a meeting by the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS), established in 1999 last week, which brought together international experts to provide independent and authoritative scientific advice to WHO on global vaccine safety-related priorities.

“Evidence based on 31 primary research studies published between January 2010 and August 2025, including data from multiple countries, strongly supports the positive safety profile of vaccines used during childhood and pregnancy and confirms the absence of a causal link with ASD,” the analysis showed.

The committee also assessed the review of potential health risks associated with vaccines with aluminium adjuvants, drawing on studies conducted from 1999 through March 2023.

In summary, the available high-quality evidence shows no association between the trace amounts of aluminium used in some vaccines and ASD, supporting the ongoing use of vaccines with aluminium adjuvants.

Aluminium adjuvants are substances added to some vaccines to enhance the body’s immune response to antigens, making the vaccine more effective and long-lasting.

Following its review, GACVS reaffirms its previous conclusions from 2002, 2004 and 2012: vaccines, including those with thiomersal and aluminium do not cause autism.

WHO advises all national authorities to rely on the latest science and ensure vaccine policies are grounded in the strongest available evidence.

Global childhood immunisation efforts represent one of the greatest achievements in improving lives, livelihoods and the prosperity of societies.

During the past 50 years, childhood immunisation has saved at least 154 million lives.

The latest analysis, discussed by the committee on November 25, 2025, focused first on the relationship between thiomersal-containing vaccines and ASD and the association between vaccines in general and ASD.

The Autism Society of Kenya (ASK) estimates prevalence of autism at approximately four per cent of the population or about 2.2 million people, with significant underdiagnoses due to awareness gaps, cultural stigma and limited specialized resources.

Every April 2 – the World Autism Awareness Day – is an internationally recognised day with Member States of the United Nations calling on countries to take measures to raise global awareness of autism, promote the acceptance, appreciation and inclusion of autistic individuals, and recognis such individuals’ local and global contributions.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Wangari Ndirangu