In a bid to combat the rampage of malaria, the Nigerian government has announced the inclusion of the malaria vaccine in the national routine immunization schedule.
This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to eradicate malaria, which costs the country approximately $1.1billion annually.
The Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that malaria is not only a health crisis but also an economic and developmental emergency.
He said, “Malaria continues to exert an unacceptable toll on Nigeria With 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths, our country bears the heaviest burden of this disease.
“In 2022, over 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five lost their lives to malaria- a tragedy we have the tools to prevent.
“This is not just a health crisis; it is an economic and developmental emergency.
“Malaria reduces productivity, increases out-of-pocket health expenditures and, compounds the challenges of poverty.
“The annual loss to Nigeria’s GDP from malaria exceeds $1.1billion, a stark reminder of the economic imperative of elimination.”
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, also confirmed that the vaccine will be integrated into the national immunization schedule to reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths.
He said “the Nigerian government has received support from international partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), in its efforts to combat malaria.
“This step is anticipated to significantly reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among children under five.
“The malaria vaccine is here and will now be part of the National Immunization Schedule, offering protection to millions of children and moving us closer to a malaria-free future.”
“The introduction will be expanded to other states and integrated into our national routine immunisation schedule, as we receive additional doses.
“The second phase will target 19 states and FCT, while the third phase will target the remaining 15 States. Both phases are scheduled for 2025.”
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