Benin, Liberia, & Sierra Leone Launch Large-Scale Malaria Vaccine Campaign to Protect Millions of Children.
In a significant stride toward combating malaria in Africa, today marked the launch of a large-scale rollout of a life-saving malaria vaccine across three West African nations: Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. This initiative, announced on World Malaria Day, aims to expand the deployment of the vaccine in the African region.
The launch expands the availability of the malaria vaccine to eight countries on the continent, enhancing access to comprehensive malaria prevention for millions of children. Over 30 countries in the African region have expressed interest in the vaccine, with several scheduled to introduce it within the next year, supported by organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. These efforts align with broader strategies, including the distribution of insecticidal nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention.
Benin, which received 215,900 doses, has incorporated the malaria vaccine into its Expanded Programme on Immunization, providing a four-dose schedule starting at approximately 5 months of age.
Prof Benjamin Hounkpatin, Benin’s Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of this step, stating, “The introduction of the malaria vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunization for our children is a significant advancement in combating this menace.”
In Liberia, the vaccine rollout began in the southern Rivercess County and will extend to five other counties with high malaria burdens. Approximately 45,000 children are expected to benefit from the 112,000 available doses.
Dr. Louise Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health, expressed optimism, saying, “With this vaccine and the unwavering commitment of our communities, healthcare workers, and our partners, including Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO, we break the chain.”
Two vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization, RTS,S and R21, have shown promise in malaria control. A pilot program in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi demonstrated significant reductions in malaria illness and overall child mortality.
In Sierra Leone, the vaccine rollout commenced with doses administered to children in the Western Area Rural, marking the beginning of the distribution of 550,000 vaccine doses nationwide.
Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of the vaccine, stating, “With the new, safe and efficacious malaria vaccine, we now have an additional tool to fight this disease.”
Malaria remains a significant health challenge in the African region, where 11 countries bear 70% of the global burden. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, affirmed the region’s commitment to scaling up the vaccine rollout.
Aurélia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer at Gavi, highlighted the significance of introducing malaria vaccines alongside existing interventions to save lives and alleviate the burden on health systems.
Despite progress, challenges such as climate change, humanitarian crises, and health system weaknesses persist. WHO emphasizes the need for sustained commitment, increased funding, data-driven responses, and strong partnerships to accelerate progress against malaria. Addressing these challenges is crucial to putting malaria control efforts back on track.
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