The Federal Government of Nigeria has received 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine, the first batch from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as part of the country’s efforts to combat malaria. The official launch of the vaccines took place on Thursday, with key health officials and development partners in attendance.
During the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Ali Pate, hailed the vaccine delivery as a major step forward in the fight against malaria. He noted that the initial distribution will prioritize states most affected by the disease, specifically Kebbi and Bayelsa. The vaccine is intended to complement existing malaria treatments.
Addressing concerns about the effectiveness of the R21 vaccine, Pate reassured the public, emphasizing that the vaccine has been proven safe and efficient in treating malaria.
Muyi Aina, Director General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), outlined the distribution plans. He also announced that an enforcement team would be created to oversee the rollout and that the details regarding the administration of the vaccines would be shared soon. An additional 140,000 doses are expected to arrive in the coming months, bringing the total target for the first batch to one million doses.
Produced by the Serum Institute of India, the R21 malaria vaccine is administered in two doses per vial. This introduction marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to eradicate malaria, a disease that continues to burden many regions in the country.
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