Nigeria has received its first shipment of 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The official launch took place on Thursday, with officials from the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and various development partners in attendance.
Minister of Health, Ali Pate hailed the arrival of the vaccines as a major step forward in the government’s mission to eradicate malaria in Nigeria. He explained that the initial distribution would target states with the highest malaria burden, such as Kebbi and Bayelsa, and would complement other malaria treatments.
Addressing concerns about the vaccine’s effectiveness, Pate assured the public that it has been proven to be both safe and highly effective in treating malaria.
NPHCDA Director General, Muyi Aina outlined the agency’s distribution plans, noting that an enforcement team will be established. The date and locations for vaccine administration will be announced soon. Aina also mentioned that an additional 140,000 doses are expected to arrive in the coming months, to make one million doses available in this first phase.
The R21 malaria vaccine, developed by the Serum Institute of India, will be administered twice per vial.
