The Nationwide Main Well being Care Improvement Company (NPHCDA) has introduced that the long-awaited malaria vaccination marketing campaign will start in Kebbi and Bayelsa states on December 2, 2024.
In response to the NPHCDA, this initiative types a part of Nigeria’s continued efforts to curb the devastating impression of malaria, which stays one of many main causes of morbidity and mortality within the nation.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Government Director of the NPHCDA, shared particulars of the marketing campaign throughout an interview with the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He famous that the malaria vaccine, which has proven promising ends in trials, could be administered to youngsters beneath the age of 5 in each states.
In response to Aina, the vaccine will improve present malaria prevention methods, together with the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and the supply of antimalarial medicine.
He described the introduction of the vaccine as a big milestone within the nation’s combat in opposition to malaria.
“The launch of the malaria vaccine in Kebbi and Bayelsa states marks a vital step ahead in our collective efforts to eradicate malaria, a illness that continues to pose a significant public well being problem,” he mentioned.
Reaching 1.5 million youngsters
Aina defined that the vaccination will goal an estimated 1.5 million youngsters within the two states, with well being employees visiting properties and well being centres to manage the vaccine.
“This system will obtain help from state governments and worldwide companions, together with the World Well being Group (WHO) and UNICEF,” he mentioned.
Aina urged residents of Kebbi and Bayelsa to actively take part within the vaccination drive, emphasizing its security, efficacy, and significance in reaching Nigeria’s malaria elimination objectives.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine is a part of Nigeria’s broader technique to scale back malaria circumstances by 40% by 2030, in alignment with the World Well being Group’s international malaria technique,” he defined.
Vaccine rollout builds on new milestone
Nigeria’s malaria vaccine rollout follows the current introduction of a vaccine developed by Oxford College and produced by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax.
Well being Minister Muhammad Ali Pate confirmed that the nation has already obtained 846,200 doses, with a further 153,800 anticipated, bringing the whole to 1 million doses.
Malaria stays a lethal problem: Malaria, which causes over 600,000 deaths yearly, continues to be a significant well being problem for Nigeria, accounting for 31% of world malaria deaths. The free vaccine marks a big step in lowering these alarming statistics.
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