The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that the long-awaited malaria vaccination campaign is set to begin on December 2 in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, said recently in Abuja that the initiative is part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address the significant burden of malaria, a leading cause of illness and death in the country. Mr Aina revealed that the vaccine, which has demonstrated encouraging results during trials, will be administered to children under five in the two states. This is good news, as malaria is the leading cause of death among children under five in the country.
The NPHCDA leader stated that the malaria vaccine is intended to complement existing prevention measures, such as distributing insecticide-treated nets and providing antimalarial medication. He highlighted the vaccine as a significant achievement in Nigeria’s efforts to combat malaria.
What This Vaccine Would Do
The Director said that the introduction of the vaccine in Kebbi and Bayelsa states is a pivotal step in the country’s fight to eradicate malaria, a disease that remains a serious public health issue. The vaccination campaign aims to reach approximately 1.5 million children in the two states. Health workers will visit households and health centres to administer the vaccine. He stated that the initiative would receive backing from both state governments and international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
The people of Kebbi and Bayelsa were encouraged to take part in the vaccination program, emphasising its safety, effectiveness, and importance in achieving malaria eradication goals. The rollout of the malaria vaccine is a component of Nigeria’s larger plan to cut malaria cases by 40% by 2030, aligning with the WHO’s global strategy for combating malaria.
Developed by Oxford University and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax, the vaccine will be provided free of charge. Health Minister Muhammad Pate revealed that Nigeria has already received 846,200 doses, with another 153,800 expected by October 26, totalling one million doses.
About Malaria
Malaria is a serious illness transmitted through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry microscopic parasites (Plasmodium spp.). When an infected mosquito bites, it introduces these parasites into the bloodstream. The vector-borne disease is caused by these parasites, not by a virus or bacteria. Without treatment, it can lead to severe complications, including seizures, brain damage, difficulty breathing, organ failure, and even death. The disease is most prevalent in tropical regions with hot and humid climates. In 2020, there were 241 million malaria cases reported worldwide, resulting in 627,000 deaths, with the majority occurring in Africa and South Asia.
Malaria is a significant public health issue in Nigeria, which bears the highest malaria burden worldwide, contributing to nearly 27% of global cases. In 2021, over 194,000 deaths in Nigeria were attributed to malaria. The high prevalence of the disease is largely due to living conditions, as many people reside near bushes, farms, and stagnant water sources that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Additionally, poverty and limited access to healthcare facilities hinder timely treatment and prevention efforts.
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