The federal government has launched a historic malaria vaccination campaign in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, marking a significant milestone.
The initiative introduces the malaria vaccine as part of Nigeria’s efforts to combat the disease and protect children. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) confirmed that the rollout will begin today in these two states.
The vaccine is now included in the National Immunization Schedule, offering protection to millions of children and bringing Nigeria closer to a malaria-free future.
In October, Nigeria received one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, donated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The vaccine was delivered with the support of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Muyi Aina, NPHCDA’s Executive Director, stated the vaccine will be administered to children aged five months to 15 months as part of routine immunization efforts.
The vaccine rollout will expand in phases, with the second phase targeting 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) scheduled for 2025. The third phase will cover the remaining 15 states, aiming for nationwide coverage. Junaidu Haliru Gwandu, Director of Immunisation in Kebbi, said the state aims to vaccinate 595,000 children in the first phase.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, expressed confidence that the vaccine, combined with other preventive measures, will help drastically reduce malaria’s impact. The R21 vaccine, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax, marks a major advancement in malaria prevention. Nigeria is among the first countries to back the vaccine, which is intended to protect children, not adults.
Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases in Nigeria, claiming the lives of thousands of children each year. The country accounts for 27% of the global malaria burden and 31% of malaria-related deaths worldwide.
