Nigeria, the country with the highest global malaria burden, has begun rolling out the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine – the second to be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The rollout, ongoing in Bayelsa and Kebbi, is targeting children aged five to 15 months, with plans to expand coverage to the rest of the country next year. While researchers state that the vaccine is 75% effective, experts recommend using it alongside existing preventive measures like mosquito nets and insecticides. Malaria remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, which accounted for 27% of global cases and 31% of deaths in 2022, according to WHO data. The vaccine, developed by Oxford University’s Jenner Institute, requires three initial doses and a booster after a year. Officials, including WHO representative Dr. Walter Mulombo, believe this initiative will significantly reduce malaria’s impact, which costs Nigeria $1.1 billion annually in productivity losses and health expenses.
SOURCE: BBC
