The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), will commence the rollout of malaria vaccinations on Monday, November 25, 2024.
The programme received a significant boost in October when Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, donated 846,200 doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to the federal government. The vaccine will be administered in four doses at the ages of 5, 6, 7, and 15 months to ensure full protection for children in high-risk areas.
The rollout will expand nationwide in phases, with the second phase planned for 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2025, followed by the remaining states.
Speaking on the preparation, Dr. Aliyu Ladan, Director of Advocacy and Communication at the NPHCDA, emphasized the agency's commitment to an inclusive and equitable distribution. “We have commenced training health workers and engaged stakeholders across various sectors to ensure the vaccine's successful introduction,” he stated.
Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, highlighted the comprehensive coordination strategy designed for the rollout. “We’ve established mechanisms to integrate malaria and immunisation programmes effectively, focusing on citizen-centered demand generation strategies,” he explained.
The vaccine’s arrival was celebrated as a milestone in the fight against malaria by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. "This marks a new trajectory in malaria control. With the continued support of WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, we are optimistic about reducing Nigeria's malaria burden," he said.
Civil society groups, including the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), commended the government’s efforts and pledged support to ensure the campaign's success.
