Nigeria has officially launched its malaria vaccination campaign, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's fight against the disease that accounts for 27% of global malaria cases. The country received its first 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine in Abuja on Thursday, signaling a new phase in the battle against the mosquito-borne illness.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria recorded nearly 67 million malaria infections and almost 200,000 deaths in 2022, with 80% of those fatalities involving children under the age of five. This alarming statistic has prompted the federal government to prioritize the free distribution of the vaccine, especially to vulnerable populations in rural areas.
Health Minister Muhammad Pate stressed the importance of ensuring that cost is not a barrier, stating, "The children of the poor in rural areas are the ones that may not be able to access them. That’s why we’ve prioritized public financing, and we thank our partners for contributing toward this effort."
Eduardo Celades, UNICEF’s Chief of Health in Nigeria, expressed confidence in the country’s logistical capacity to distribute the vaccine, even to hard-to-reach areas. He acknowledged the challenges of transportation and storage but assured that systems were in place to ensure smooth delivery.
Celades also emphasized that the vaccine, which reduces the risk of contracting malaria by 75%, is not a standalone solution but part of a larger strategy to combat the disease. “It is just one of the tools, not a magic wand,” he explained.
The first phase of the vaccination rollout is set to begin in November 2024 in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, targeting children under one year old as part of Nigeria’s Routine Immunization schedule.
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