By Emmanuel Kwada
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the introduction of the malaria vaccine into the national routine immunisation schedule. This move is part of the government’s commitment to eliminate malaria, which accounts for approximately 27% of the global malaria burden and 31% of malaria deaths worldwide.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, emphasized the need to eliminate malaria, citing its devastating impact on the country’s health, economy, and development. He noted that malaria reduces productivity, increases health expenditures, and compounds poverty, resulting in an annual loss of $1.1 billion to Nigeria’s GDP.
The malaria vaccine, specifically the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, will be administered to children aged five months to 15 months as part of routine immunisation
The malaria vaccine, specifically the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, will be administered to children aged five months to 15 months as part of routine immunisation. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing malaria in children, with the potential to save tens of thousands of young lives every year.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) will oversee the rollout of the vaccine, starting with Kebbi and Bayelsa states. The agency plans to expand the introduction to other states and integrate it into the national routine immunisation schedule as more doses become available.
This development is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against malaria
This development is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against malaria, and it is expected to have a substantial impact on reducing the burden of the disease in the country.
