Nigeria Receives First-Ever Malaria Vaccines Ahead of National Rollout

In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s health sector, the first shipment of malaria vaccines has been delivered to the Nigerian government.

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The vaccines, a critical tool in the fight against malaria, were procured through collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The handover, which took place in Abuja, the nations capital signifies a major breakthrough in addressing one of the country’s deadliest diseases.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, bears the highest global burden of malaria, contributing to 27% of the world’s malaria cases and 31% of deaths.

According to the 2023 World Malaria Report, almost 200,000 Nigerians died from malaria, with children under five and pregnant women most affected. In some regions, such as Kebbi State, the malaria prevalence rate reaches as high as 49%.

Over the years, the Federal Ministry of Health has implemented several strategies to reduce malaria transmission, including the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC).

The arrival of the malaria vaccine adds to these efforts, promising significant reductions in both malaria cases and fatalities.

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate said this is a monumental step in the countries national efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality.

He emphasized that the partnership with UNICEF, Gavi, and WHO sets Nigeria on the path to a malaria-free future.

“The vaccine, which requires four doses, will be administered to children under one year as part of Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule”. He said.

“The first phase of the rollout is scheduled to begin in November 2024 in Kebbi and Bayelsa States, areas with high malaria prevalence. Over 800,000 doses will be distributed during this phase”. He added.

“UNICEF and Gavi have been instrumental in the procurement and distribution of the vaccines. Gavi has funded the cost of the vaccines, transportation, and administration, while UNICEF oversees procurement and shipping, working closely with WHO for effective implementation”.

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, expressed optimism, stating,
“This vaccine will be life-changing for millions of Nigerian families, particularly in regions where malaria devastates lives”. He said.

Gavi’s Director for High Impact Countries, Tokunbo Oshin, underscored the importance of global collaboration in combating malaria, noting that this vaccine, when combined with existing interventions, represents a significant step toward eliminating malaria across Africa.

“The vaccine rollout is aligned with Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme, which aims for a malaria-free country”. Oshin said.

The WHO Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, remarked that the combined use of the vaccine with other preventive measures will significantly reduce the burden of malaria, bringing the country closer to achieving its long-term goal of malaria eradication.

This development marks the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s fight against malaria, offering hope for a future where malaria deaths are a thing of the past.