Burkina Faso/Malaria Control: The first RTS,S Malaria vaccine Now part of routine vaccinations
The government of Burkina Faso, through the Ministry of Health, has facilitated the integration of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine into routine vaccinations for children. This move aims to effectively combat the disease that claims numerous lives among the Burkinabe population each year.
The official launch of this operation took place on Monday, February 5, with the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Dr. Lucien Kargougou, presiding over the ceremony in Koudougou, Boulkiemdé Province, in the Center-West region of Burkina Faso.
The initial phase of the malaria vaccination targets 218,222 children aged 5 months in 27 health districts across the Cascades, Center-East, Center-West, Center-South, East, Sahel, and Southwest regions.
These locations were selected due to the severity of malaria and high mortality rates, as determined by health authorities.
The authorities of Burkina Faso pledge to make every effort to acquire more vaccines for the entire national territory.
Regarding the vaccine’s effectiveness, the Burkinabe Minister of Health reassures the public, stating that the administration involves four (04) doses.
As per his explanations, Burkina Faso, through the Nanoro Clinical Research Unit, participated in phase 3 clinical trials for the development of the RTS, S vaccine, along with six other African countries.
Olivier TOE
