FG rolls out malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M in Bayelsa, Kebbi

The federal government has begun distributing a new malaria vaccine in Bayelsa and Kebbi states for the first time, aiming to address the alarming rate of deaths among infants and toddlers.

Recently approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the R21/Matrix-M vaccine will be administered to children between five and 15 months old.

Nigeria continues to report more malaria deaths than any other country in the world. The Guardian gathered that the initial phase of the rollout will take place in these two severely affected states, with plans to expand the distribution to other states across the country in 2025.

Researchers have confirmed that the R21/Matrix-M vaccine is 75% effective and recommend its administration by health officials alongside other malaria prevention measures, such as mosquito nets and insecticides.

Nigeria accounts for nearly a third of global malaria deaths. In 2022, it reported 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria deaths, according to the WHO. Children under five and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. Overall, Africa saw 95% of malaria-related deaths, totaling around 580,000 people.

Malaria also has significant economic repercussions for Nigeria, leading to an estimated loss of $1.1 billion each year due to lost productivity and health expenditures.

The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by the Jenner Institute at Oxford University, requires three doses administered four weeks apart, with a booster dose given after one year.

Earlier this year, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo also began using this vaccine.

Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have adopted another malaria vaccine, RTS,S, but Nigeria was not included in the subsequent rollout of this vaccine by the WHO to 12 African countries.
Efforts to reach officials of the health ministry to shed more light on the reports proved abortive.