Nigerian Government has received the first batch of 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccines, from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The official launch of the vaccines, which took place on Thursday in Abuja, was attended by stakeholders in the health sector. Among those present are officials of the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and Development partners.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, described the arrival of the vaccines as a significant milestone. He stated that it would boost the Government’s efforts to eliminate malaria in the country.
Pate stated that the vaccines would first be distributed to States with the highest burden of the disease. Particularly, Kebbi and Bayelsa States. He said the vaccine would serve as a complement to other treatments for malaria.
The Minister used the occasion to clear the air on concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine. He stated that it has proven to be safe and efficient for malaria treatment.
On his own, the Director General of the NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, explained the plans for distribution of the vaccine. He informed that an enforcement team would be set up by the agency and the date and location for the administration of the vaccines would be communicated in due course.
Aina, however, added that about 140,000 doses of the vaccine are expected in the coming months. This is even as the Ministry targets is to make available one million vaccines for the first batch.
The R21 malaria vaccine, which would be administered in two doses per vial, was produced by the Serum Institute of India.
source: Channels TV
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