National Primary Health Care Development Agency Announces Upcoming Unveiling of Malaria Vaccines in Abuja
Nigeria is preparing to receive its first shipment of malaria vaccines on Thursday, marking a crucial milestone in the nation’s battle against this deadly disease.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) announced that the vaccines will be received in Abuja by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
This initiative, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to distribute malaria vaccines to countries heavily affected by the disease, including Nigeria.
The NPHCDA has indicated that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the official unveiling of the malaria vaccines will take place on Thursday, with a focus on protecting children from this life-threatening illness.
The introduction of the vaccine is anticipated to significantly reduce malaria cases and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations. A strategic distribution plan has been developed to prioritize regions most affected by malaria, especially in rural areas with limited healthcare access.
The vaccines, known as RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix), have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing malaria cases and mortality among young children in extensive clinical trials conducted across Africa. With Nigeria set to become the third African nation to roll out this vaccine—following Ghana and Kenya, which began in 2023—public health experts are optimistic about its potential impact.
Malaria continues to pose a serious public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting 97 percent of the population and accounting for 27 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of malaria-related deaths. Despite a decrease in prevalence among children under five, significant disparities persist between rural and urban populations, along with challenges like low antenatal care attendance and limited access to treatment. Health experts believe that the new vaccine, when combined with existing preventive measures, could play a vital role in reducing the malaria burden and moving Nigeria closer to the goal of a malaria-free Africa.
