Liberia Receives First Shipment of Malaria Vaccines, Implementation Program Underway.
Liberia has taken a significant step forward in its fight against malaria with the arrival of 8,780 vials of the malaria vaccine, out of a total allocation of 112,000 doses. This delivery marks the beginning of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) initiative to introduce routine immunization programs for malaria across Africa. Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, Minister of Health, revealed that the remaining 44,390 vials are expected to arrive in July 2024.
Dr. Kpoto shared this update during a session with members of the House of Representatives, emphasizing that Liberia is among the 12 African countries benefitting from the WHO’s Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program. The initiative aims to combat the high incidence of malaria-related illness and death, particularly among children, by targeting six Southeastern counties for the vaccine rollout.
Collaborating with partners such as GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, and UNICEF, Liberia welcomed the RTS malaria vaccine on January 23. This milestone event holds profound significance, especially considering the high prevalence of malaria among children under five in Liberia, with a rate of 10%.
Adolphus Clarke, Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization at the Ministry of Health, hailed the arrival of the vaccine as a game-changer in the fight against malaria. The commitment to ensuring widespread access to the vaccine underscores Liberia’s dedication to protecting children from this deadly disease.
The allocation of malaria vaccines to the 12 African countries has been determined based on the Framework for allocation of limited malaria vaccine supply, prioritizing regions with the highest need. In Liberia, the vaccination program will utilize 149 health facilities across six pilot counties, targeting children aged 0-23 months.
The Martha Tubman Hospital received the initial shipment of malaria vials on March 5, 2024, marking the beginning of the vaccine administration process in the designated counties. With World Malaria Awareness Day approaching on April 25, the program aims to raise awareness and mobilize resources for malaria prevention and control efforts.
As Liberia continues to combat malaria, Minister Kpoto emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing one of Africa’s deadliest diseases. Through strategic partnerships and coordinated efforts, Liberia is committed to reducing the burden of malaria and ensuring a healthier future for its citizens.
The six targeted counties—Rivercess, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, River Gee, and Maryland—are set to receive comprehensive coverage through the utilization of 149 health facilities. Each county has been allocated a specific number of facilities to ensure equitable access to vaccination services.
In Sinoe County, 38 health facilities will participate in the vaccination program, while Grand Gedeh will utilize 24 facilities. Grand Kru, Maryland, River Gee, and Rivercess counties will each deploy 20 to 26 health facilities to administer the malaria vaccines, covering a wide geographic area and reaching as many children as possible.
The implementation of the malaria vaccination program represents a crucial milestone in Liberia’s public health efforts. By targeting high-risk populations, particularly children under two years old, the initiative aims to significantly reduce the burden of malaria and prevent unnecessary deaths.
Furthermore, the program aligns with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. By prioritizing malaria prevention and control, Liberia is contributing to the global agenda of improving health outcomes and advancing universal health coverage.
As the vaccination program gets underway, stakeholders are encouraged to support and participate in the initiative to maximize its impact. Through collective action and sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and services, Liberia can build a healthier, more resilient society for generations to come.
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