Yenagoa, 05 December, 2024 – Happiness Iniye Wilson, along with her 11-month-old daughter Ayibabomote strapped to her again, walked into the Household Assist Programme Clinic in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The clinic is among the key websites for the introduction of the R21 malaria vaccine, a significant public well being intervention geared toward defending youngsters from one of many deadliest illnesses in Nigeria.

“This can be a reduction for moms like me,” mentioned Wilson, beaming with optimism. “I’ll be sure that to tell different moms about this life-saving vaccine so that they can also shield their youngsters.”

A Lifesaving Intervention

The R21 vaccine launch in Nigeria marks a big milestone within the combat towards malaria, a illness that is still a number one reason for sickness and dying, significantly amongst youngsters underneath 5 years of age. Nigeria accounts for roughly 27% of the worldwide malaria burden, in response to the World Malaria Report 2022.

Over 97% of Nigeria’s inhabitants is vulnerable to malaria, making the vaccine introduction a vital addition to the nation’s arsenal of interventions, which already contains insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and efficient case administration.

The vaccine rollout is being carried out in phases, beginning with Bayelsa within the south and Kebbi within the north—two states with excessive malaria burden.

Phased Rollout in Excessive-Burden Areas

Nigeria has acquired a 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 includes 4 doses: the primary at 5 months of age (as much as 11 months if late), the second at six months, the third at seven months, and a booster at 15 months (as much as 23 months or later if delayed).

On the launch occasion in Bayelsa, Dr. Appah Williams, Government Secretary of the Bayelsa State Main Well being Care Board, emphasised the significance of this initiative. “What we obtain right here will set the stage for different states as we scale up nationally,” he mentioned.

Dr. Williams highlighted the massive turnout of caregivers and detailed the neighborhood engagement efforts, which embody grassroots campaigns, media outreach, and stakeholder collaboration to construct public belief within the vaccine.

The First Woman of Bayelsa State, Dr. Gloria Ebibomo Diri, inspired households to take part: “Allow us to unfold the phrase concerning the significance of vaccination and create a brighter, more healthy future for our youngsters.”

Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Well being, praised the dedication of healthcare employees and companions: “Each malaria vaccine administered, each baby protected, and each mum or dad knowledgeable brings us nearer to eliminating malaria in Nigeria.”

Progress in Kebbi State

Equally, Kebbi State held its launch occasion in Birnin Kebbi, the place Deputy Governor Alhaji Umar Abubakar-Tafida described the vaccine introduction as a “image of hope” and reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to eradicating malaria. Representing Governor Idris, the deputy governor emphasised the vaccine’s inclusion in routine immunization packages.

State Commissioner for Well being, Comrade Yunusa Musa Ismail, defined that the collection of Kebbi and Bayelsa was strategic, given their excessive malaria case numbers. “Our goal is to vaccinate 179,542 youngsters aged 5 to fifteen months with the 4 doses,” he mentioned. Kebbi has acquired 595,980 doses to help this aim.

Conventional leaders, together with the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, pledged their help for the marketing campaign, underscoring the function of neighborhood involvement in its success.

A Name to Motion

WHO’s Nation Consultant in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, congratulated the nation on this milestone and reiterated the group’s dedication to supporting the federal government in extending the vaccine rollout to different states. He inspired dad and mom to make sure their youngsters obtain the vaccine and urged well being employees to combine different important baby well being providers throughout the marketing campaign.

“This initiative alerts a brighter future for Nigeria’s youngsters,” mentioned Dr. Mulombo.

Vibrant Future Forward

Well being employee Amagbopere Endurance, who administered the primary dose in Bayelsa, shared her expertise: “Since we commenced vaccination, dad and mom have been keen. There’s been no resistance, solely enthusiasm.”

With this phased rollout, Nigeria takes a daring step towards decreasing the toll of malaria and defending its most susceptible inhabitants—youngsters.