To check malaria scourge in Nigeria ,the Federal
Government in partnership with some states has commenced has the first roll out of the anti- malaria vaccine.
Nigeria is rated as one of the countries globally
with the highest numbers of malaria deaths.
The newly approved R21/Matrix-M vaccine by the World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to protect children between the ages of 5 to 15 months.
Data revealed that malaria claims the lives of a large population of Nigerians annually, which is a factor in its rise, placing the disease at the third global death record.
The two states in Nigeria, Bayelsa and Kebbi, heavily hit by the rise of malaria,have started their vaccinatiion programmes.
Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, Bayelsa’s Health Commissioner, asserted that the health campaign will be promoted using local language.
The malaria vaccine, reported to have a 75% effectiveness rate, is being introduced alongside other preventive measures like mosquito nets and insecticides to enhance its impact.
Happiness Idia-Wilson, whose 11-month-old son was the first recipient of the vaccine in a public event, expressed her motivation for participating: “I’m doing this for my child’s safety.” She encouraged other mothers to embrace the initiative.
Malaria remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, which accounted for 31% of global malaria-related deaths in 2022, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) data.
Developed by the Jenner Institute at Oxford University, the vaccine requires three initial doses followed by a booster shot after a year.
Nigerian health authorities are optimistic that this new measure, combined with ongoing prevention strategies, will significantly alleviate the country’s malaria burden.
Malaria’s economic toll is also substantial, with Nigeria losing an estimated $1.1 billion annually due to healthcare costs and reduced productivity.
This vaccine rollout, therefore, marks an essential addition to efforts aimed at minimising malaria’s effects.
Other African countries, including Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have also started deploying the vaccine.
Nigeria aims to expand its distribution nationwide by 2025, further strengthening the continent’s fight against malaria.
