Nigeria kicks off National Malaria Vaccination with R21 doses
Nigeria has taken a major step in the fight against malaria with the launch of a vaccination campaign, following the arrival of 846,200 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine, as announced by Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate on Thursday.
The campaign aims to curb the spread of malaria, a leading cause of death in the country, by offering the vaccine free of charge.
The R21 vaccine, developed by researchers at Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India in partnership with Novavax, is seen as a game changer in malaria control.
Nigeria is one of the first countries to implement the vaccine, which received provisional approval from the country’s regulatory authority in April of last year.
Minister Pate confirmed that another 153,800 doses are expected by the end of October, bringing the total to one million doses for the campaign’s first phase. He urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity, noting the limited availability of vaccines.
“Although vaccine supply is not yet enough to meet the full demand, it’s free. I encourage parents to ensure their children get vaccinated while doses are available,” Pate emphasized.
The vaccination rollout will initially target two states, starting in Kebbi in the north and Bayelsa in the south, with plans for a nationwide distribution.
Nigeria, which accounts for 31% of global malaria deaths, according to a 2023 World Health Organization report, remains the country hardest hit by the mosquito-borne disease.
The R21 vaccine will be administered in two doses, offering new hope in the country’s ongoing battle against malaria.
