As efforts to combat malaria intensify in Nigeria, the federal government has delivered the first-ever malaria vaccine for children under 5 years, presented to it by development partners.
Presenting the vaccine to the FG by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and WHO in Abuja,
marking a critical milestone in the fight against malaria, a disease that continues to claim the lives of children under five every year, the first phase of the rollout will begin in Kebbi and Bayelsa States in November 2024, where malaria prevalence is particularly high, with over 800,000 doses ready for distribution.
According to the 2023 World Malaria Report, about 200,000 deaths from malaria occur in Nigeria. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% in children aged 6-59 months as of 2021.
The report says that in some regions, such as Kebbi State, the rate is as high as 49%, hence the take-off in Kebbi and Bayelsa States in November.
As Africa's most populous country, the record shows that Nigeria carries the highest burden of malaria globally, accounting for approximately 27% of the global malaria burden and 31% of malaria deaths in the world.
It is on record that the Federal Ministry of Health has been leading critical malaria control interventions, including the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC). The introduction of the malaria vaccine marks another important tool in the country's comprehensive strategy to combat the disease.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, says, “The arrival of the malaria vaccine is a monumental step in our national efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality,” “With the support of UNICEF, Gavi, and WHO, we are on a path toward achieving our goal of a malaria-free Nigeria.”
" Malaria Vaccine Rollout Plan is such that, it requires four doses, administered to children under one year of age will be included as part of Routine Immunization schedule ". Pate explained
“This is a landmark moment in our collective mission to save lives and protect children from preventable diseases like malaria,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria. “The introduction of this vaccine will be life-changing for millions of Nigerian families, especially in the regions most affected by malaria.”
Gavi, emphasized the critical role of global collaboration in the fight against malaria, saying, “Malaria remains one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s deadliest diseases, taking the lives of hundreds of thousands of children under the age of 5 each year. Rolling out this vaccine, alongside the other powerful tools we have to fight this disease, represents a major step forward towards our goal of a malaria-free future " Oshin.
We look forward to working with the government of Nigeria, WHO, UNICEF, the Global Fund, Civil Society, and other partners towards a successful rollout,” said Tokunbo Oshin, Director of High Impact Countries, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Looking Ahead, the malaria vaccine introduction aligns with Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme, which envisions a malaria-free future for the country.
The experts believe that by combining the vaccine with existing interventions like LLINs and SMC, Nigeria will be better positioned to make significant strides in reducing malaria transmission and deaths.
“We are confident that this vaccine in combination with other preventive measures will drastically reduce the burden of malaria in Nigeria and help us move closer to achieving the goal of a malaria-free Africa,” said Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria.
Partner Support and Global Collaboration
UNICEF and Gavi have played crucial roles in supporting the procurement and distribution of the vaccines. The cost of vaccines, transport, and administration are supported by Gavi and the Government of Nigeria, with UNICEF responsible for procurement and shipment, and working with WHO to support administration.
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