Nigeria on Thursday took an important step in the fight against malaria with the launch of the R21 malaria vaccine, which will be administered free of charge to recipients.
This makes Nigeria one of the first countries in the world to approve the new vaccine developed by Oxford University scientists and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax.
The R21 vaccine was provisionally approved by the Nigeria National Agency for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC) in April last year. At an official launch in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, said 846,200 doses had arrived, with another 153,800 expected to arrive by October 26, for a total of 1 million doses. Then he announced. These vaccines were procured in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF.
Pate stressed that although the vaccine supply is currently limited, it remains free and encourages Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity. “There is not enough vaccine, so in the context that it is not enough but it is free, I want to encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to make their wards available for administration and protection.” Pate said at the launch.
The initial rollout will begin in two pilot states, Kebbi in northern Nigeria and Bayelsa on the coast, before being expanded across the country.
Malaria remains a deadly threat, especially in Africa. More than 600,000 people die each year from mosquito-borne diseases, with infants and children most susceptible. According to a 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report, Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria deaths, making it the world’s worst-affected country.
The introduction of the R21 vaccine brings new hope in curbing the devastating impact of malaria in Nigeria.
melissa enoch
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