The federal government has commenced malaria vaccination in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, today.
The exercise marks the introduction of the malaria vaccine in the country.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) said the first phase of the malaria vaccine rollout in Nigeria will commence in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.
The agency, on its X handle, said the malaria vaccine will now be part of the National Immunization Schedule, offering protection to millions of children and moving the country closer to a malaria-free future.
Earlier in October, the federal government received one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine donated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. It was delivered with the support of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, said the vaccine will be administered to children aged five months to 15 months as part of routine immunisation.
“The introduction will be expanded to other states and integrated into our national routine immunization 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,” he said.
Source: Daily Trust
