Nigeria has taken delivery of its first-ever malaria vaccine, receiving one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, donated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the vaccine’s arrival as a crucial step toward reducing malaria-related deaths in the country.
At a ceremony in Abuja, Pate emphasized the significance of the vaccine in protecting children from the disease, which continues to claim thousands of young lives annually.
He noted that, alongside other malaria prevention tools, the vaccine could drastically reduce mortality rates, particularly among children under five.
Nigeria, which accounts for 31% of global malaria deaths, will commence vaccine rollouts in high-prevalence states, including Kebbi and Bayelsa, starting in November.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have played vital roles in facilitating the procurement and distribution of the vaccine. As part of a phased national rollout, other states are set to follow in 2025.
