Nigeria has taken delivery of 846,000 malaria vaccine doses through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in a significant step toward combating malaria and improving public health across the nation.
Nigeria has taken delivery of the initial batch consisting of 846,000 doses of R21 malaria vaccines from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The vaccines were officially launched on Thursday with the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners.
Health Minister Ali Pate called the arrival of the vaccines a crucial step forward in the government’s mission to eradicate malaria nationwide.
He mentioned that the vaccines would initially be distributed to states with the highest incidence of the disease, particularly Kebbi and Bayelsa. These vaccines will complement other malaria treatments.
Pate addressed concerns regarding the vaccine’s efficacy, asserting that it has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment for malaria.
Additionally, Muyi Aina, the Director General of the NPHCDA, outlined the distribution plans and mentioned that an enforcement team would be established by the agency. The date and location for administering the vaccines will be announced in due course.
Aina mentioned that approximately 140,000 doses are anticipated in the upcoming months, with a goal of making one million vaccines available for the initial batch.
The Serum Institute of India produced the R21 malaria vaccine, which is intended to be administered in two doses per vial.
