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Ikenna Ngere
Guest
Nigeria recently received an initial shipment of 846,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine through support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The official event marking this landmark delivery was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and various international partners.
During the launch, Minister of Health Ali Pate expressed optimism over this milestone, viewing it as a critical step in Nigeria’s fight against malaria.
He highlighted that the first phase of vaccine distribution will focus on areas with the highest malaria rates, including Kebbi and Bayelsa states, to strengthen existing malaria interventions.
To address public concerns about vaccine efficacy, Minister Pate reassured that the R21 vaccine is both safe and effective for malaria prevention.
NPHCDA Director-General Muyi Aina provided insights into the planned rollout.
He noted that an enforcement team will be established to oversee the distribution and implementation process, with specific dates and locations for vaccine administration to be announced shortly.
In addition, Aina confirmed that approximately 140,000 additional doses are expected soon, contributing to a goal of one million doses in the first phase.
Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the R21 malaria vaccine will be given in two-dose vials, marking a significant advancement in Nigeria’s ongoing malaria eradication efforts.
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