By Perewarri Precious
In a pivotal step to tackle one of the deadliest diseases in the country, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially incorporated the malaria vaccine into its national routine immunisation schedule. This initiative comes as Nigeria grapples with the weight of its malaria burden, accounting for approximately 27% of global cases and 31% of malaria-related deaths annually.
The vaccine rollout begins amidst heightened efforts to eradicate malaria, a disease that causes the deaths of over 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five each year. Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the urgency of the fight, describing malaria as not only a health crisis but also a major economic and developmental challenge.
“This is not just a health crisis; it is an economic and developmental emergency,” Pate declared. He noted that malaria costs Nigeria over $1.1 billion annually in lost GDP, exacerbating poverty and out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures.
Phased Distribution of Malaria Vaccine
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) disclosed that the introduction of the malaria vaccine would be executed in phases. The first phase targets Kebbi and Bayelsa states, with subsequent expansions to other states by 2025. The vaccine will be administered to children aged five months to 15 months as part of their routine immunisation.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the NPHCDA, stated, “The malaria vaccine will offer protection to millions of children and bring Nigeria closer to a malaria-free future.” The rollout plan aligns with the broader goals of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a key framework under the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In October, Nigeria received its first one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax. This vaccine, shown to be 80% effective, positions Nigeria among the pioneering countries embracing this life-saving solution.
Health and Economic Benefits
The integration of the malaria vaccine into routine immunisation is expected to significantly reduce child mortality rates and alleviate the economic strain caused by malaria. By prioritising this vaccination, the government aims to protect millions of vulnerable children while promoting productivity and poverty alleviation.
Malaria remains a persistent challenge in Africa, with Nigeria bearing the heaviest burden. The vaccine is seen as a critical tool in addressing this issue, complementing other preventive measures such as insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs.
The government’s decisive action reflects a commitment to eliminating malaria, which Prof. Pate described as “a tragedy we have the tools to prevent.”
