Boss98.9 FM
Nigeria has received 846,000 doses of a new malaria vaccine, aimed at reducing the country’s high rate of malaria, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, on Thursday announced this during an event in Abuja, noting the vaccine’s potential to significantly lower malaria-related deaths.
The vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix), has proven effective in large trials across Africa, reducing malaria cases and fatalities among children as Nigeria becomes the third African nation, after Ghana and Kenya, to introduce the vaccine.
Malaria remains a major health concern, affecting 97% of the Nigerian population as the vaccine will initially be rolled out in high-burden states like Bayelsa and Kebbi, with plans to expand nationwide whereas Global health partners, including WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, are providing support for the initiative.
Officials emphasize that while the vaccine is a major breakthrough, it must be paired with ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and raise awareness.
