Victoria Mbangwa
In a significant step towards combating one of its deadliest public health challenges, Nigeria has received one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, a donation facilitated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The delivery, marked by a ceremony in Abuja, reflects both national and global efforts to address malaria, which remains a major cause of illness and death in the country.
Malaria continues to be a significant public health burden in Nigeria, particularly among children and pregnant women. According to Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Nigeria accounts for 27% of the global malaria burden, with nearly 200,000 malaria-related deaths recorded in 2022 alone. Children under five remain the most vulnerable, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% in this age group.
He said, “Nigeria is among the top ten contributors to the global burden of malaria, accounting for approximately 27 per cent of the global burden and 31 per cent of malaria deaths worldwide. In 2022, nearly 200,000 deaths from malaria occurred in Nigeria. Children under five years of age, and pregnant women are the most affected, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22 per cent in children aged six to 59 months as of 2021.
“The vaccine would quicken our malaria control and elimination efforts, as we expect about 13 per cent reduction in all-cause mortality in children under five and a 22 per cent reduction in hospitalized severe malaria cases. WHO recommends prioritisation of the vaccine in areas of high to moderate transmission and this is guiding our phased introduction strategy.”
“Kebbi because it has the highest prevalence rate in the country (52 per cent); while Bayelsa is selected because its target population of 69,935, and that of Kebbi’s 162,014, aligns with the one million doses available for this phase, thereby ensuring that the vaccine supply is effectively utilised.
“The vaccine will be administered to children aged five months to 15 months as part of routine immunisation. Each child requires four doses, given at 5, 6, 7, and 15 months of age, to be fully protected. The introduction will be expanded to other states and integrated into our national routine immunisation schedule, as we receive additional doses.
“The second phase will target 19 States and FCT, while the third phase will target the remaining 15 States. Both phases are scheduled for 2025. To ensure a successful roll-out, we have established an elaborate cross-program coordinating mechanism that brings together key stakeholders and expertise in the malaria and immunisation space at the national, and subnational levels.
“The team has developed a robust and responsive demand generation strategy that is citizen-centred and recognizes the needs and expectations of stakeholders at all levels including caregivers, community gatekeepers and front-line health workers.”
