Nigeria has received 846,000 doses of a revolutionary malaria vaccine aimed at reducing the high incidence of malaria, especially among children and vulnerable populations. The RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine, proven effective in large African clinical trials, was introduced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during an event in Abuja. The vaccine rollout is expected to significantly reduce malaria-related deaths in the country.
Nigeria is the third African country to introduce this vaccine, following Ghana and Kenya. With malaria affecting 97% of Nigeria’s population, the vaccine is seen as a major step forward in the nation’s fight against the disease. The initial distribution will target high-burden states like Bayelsa and Kebbi, which face logistical challenges in delivering healthcare services.
Global partners, including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and USAID, are providing financial and technical support for the vaccine's implementation. UNICEF's Chief of Health, Dr. Eduardo Celades, highlighted improvements in the country's cold chain infrastructure, ensuring the vaccine reaches even remote communities. This effort complements other malaria prevention measures such as seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC).
Experts, including Dr. Walter Mulombo of WHO and Prof. Gbenga Mokuolu of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, praised the vaccine as a game-changer. However, they stressed the importance of continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and education to maximize the vaccine's impact.
