Nigeria receives 846,000 doses of R21 Malaria vaccine in historic milestone

Nigeria has officially received its first batch of 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine, courtesy of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

This milestone marks a significant leap forward in the country’s quest to eliminate malaria. The official launch, held on Thursday, brought together top officials from the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and key development partners.

Minister of Health Ali Pate hailed the vaccine’s arrival as a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s malaria elimination efforts. “Every child that has the full course of the vaccine has an opportunity to live a life of health,” he emphasized. Pate reassured the public about the vaccine’s safety and efficiency, urging well-meaning Nigerians to take advantage of this valuable resource.

The vaccine will initially be distributed to states with the highest malaria burden, including Kebbi and Bayelsa. This strategic move aims to provide an additional layer of protection against the disease. Pate clarified that the vaccine is not a replacement for existing treatments but rather a complementary tool in the fight against malaria.

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“The vaccines are delivered to populations for free. I want to urge all well-meaning Nigerians to take advantage of the limited availability and the fact that it’s a valuable commodity and bring their wards where they have the opportunity, to make sure they are protected with these vaccines.

“And to discount misinformation for uninformed people who sometimes have their own agendas or may not understand what they’re talking about.”

Muyi Aina, Director General of the NPHCDA, outlined plans for distribution, including the setup of an enforcement team. The agency will communicate the date and location for vaccine administration in due course. An additional 140,000 doses are expected in the coming months, with a target of one million vaccines for the first batch.

The R21 malaria vaccine, produced by the Serum Institute of India, will be administered in two doses per vial. This vaccine is the second to be recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for children living in endemic areas. With two safe and effective vaccines now available, experts predict a significant reduction in malaria-related deaths among children under five.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has played a pivotal role in making these vaccines accessible. As Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, noted, “Having two safe and effective vaccines means we have greater supply security and can be more confident about meeting countries’ needs.”

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