Yenagoa, 05 December, 2024 – Happiness Iniye Wilson, along with her 11-month-faded daughter Ayibabomote strapped to her back, walked into the Family Reinforce Programme Clinic in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The clinic is one in all the key sites for the introduction of the R21 malaria vaccine, a major public health intervention aimed at protecting adolescents from one in all the deadliest diseases in Nigeria.
“Right here’s a aid for mothers love me,” said Wilson, beaming with optimism. “I’ll make ride to inform other mothers about this existence-saving vaccine so they too can offer protection to their adolescents.”
A Lifesaving Intervention
The R21 vaccine launch in Nigeria marks a significant milestone in the battle against malaria, a disease that remains a leading cause of sickness and death, particularly among adolescents below five years of age. Nigeria accounts for approximately 27% of the global malaria burden, according to the World Malaria Document 2022.
Over 97% of Nigeria’s population is at danger of malaria, making the vaccine introduction a crucial addition to the nation’s arsenal of interventions, which already includes insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and efficient case management.
The vaccine rollout is being applied in phases, starting with Bayelsa in the south and Kebbi in the north—two states with high malaria burden.
Phased Rollout in Excessive-Burden Areas
Nigeria has got one million doses of the malaria vaccine, with 846,200 doses supplied by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and 153,800 doses procured by the Nigerian authorities. The vaccine schedule involves four doses: the first at five months of age (up to 11 months if late), the 2d at six months, the third at seven months, and a booster at 15 months (up to 23 months or later if delayed).
At the launch match in Bayelsa, Dr. Appah Williams, Govt Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “What we achieve right here will pickle the stage for other states as we scale up nationally,” he said.
Dr. Williams highlighted the large turnout of caregivers and detailed the neighborhood engagement efforts, which include grassroots campaigns, media outreach, and stakeholder collaboration to gain public belief in the vaccine.
The First Lady of Bayelsa State, Dr. Gloria Ebibomo Diri, encouraged families to participate: “Let us spread the observe about the importance of vaccination and create a brighter, healthier future for our kids.”
Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Health, praised the dedication of healthcare workers and partners: “Each malaria vaccine administered, every baby stable, and every parent informed brings us nearer to eliminating malaria in Nigeria.”
Growth in Kebbi State
Similarly, Kebbi State held its launch match in Birnin Kebbi, the place Deputy Governor Alhaji Umar Abubakar-Tafida described the vaccine introduction as a “image of hope” and reaffirmed the authorities’s dedication to eradicating malaria. Representing Governor Idris, the deputy governor emphasized the vaccine’s inclusion in routine immunization programs.
State Commissioner for Health, Comrade Yunusa Musa Ismail, explained that the alternative of Kebbi and Bayelsa was strategic, given their high malaria case numbers. “Our target is to vaccinate 179,542 adolescents aged five to fifteen months with the four doses,” he said. Kebbi has got 595,980 doses to enhance this goal.
Traditional leaders, including the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, pledged their enhance for the campaign, underscoring the position of neighborhood involvement in its success.
A Call to Action
WHO’s Nation Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, congratulated the nation on this milestone and reiterated the organization’s dedication to supporting the authorities in extending the vaccine rollout to other states. He encouraged parents to make certain their adolescents obtain the vaccine and urged health workers to integrate other essential baby health companies and products during the campaign.
“This initiative signals a brighter future for Nigeria’s adolescents,” said Dr. Mulombo.
Smart Future Ahead
Health worker Amagbopere Patience, who administered the first dose in Bayelsa, shared her abilities: “Since we commenced vaccination, parents have been eager. There’s been no resistance, best enthusiasm.”
With this phased rollout, Nigeria takes a audacious step toward reducing the toll of malaria and protecting its most vulnerable population—adolescents.
