In a monumental stride towards malaria prevention in Africa, Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone have taken a significant step by rolling out a groundbreaking vaccine aimed at safeguarding millions of children across these West African nations. This momentous occasion occurred on World Malaria Day as these countries launched a wide-scale deployment of the life-saving malaria vaccine as part of their childhood immunization programs.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunization for our children is a major step forward in the fight against this scourge.”
– Prof Benjamin Hounkpatin, Minister of Health of Benin
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This initiative marks an essential progress in expanding access to comprehensive malaria prevention measures across the region. The arrival of this vaccine brings the total number of African countries offering it as part of their immunization programs to eight, indicating a growing commitment to combatting this deadly disease.
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For far too long, malaria has stolen the laughter and dreams of our children… We have a powerful tool that will protect them from this devastating illness and related deaths.
” – Dr Louise Kpoto, Minister of Health of Liberia”
Benin received over 200,000 doses for distribution through its Expanded Programme on Immunization. Meanwhile, Liberia began its rollout in Rivercess County before extending it to other high-burden areas. In Sierra Leone, initial vaccinations were administered in Western Area Rural before expanding nationwide.
“With the new safe and efficacious malaria vaccine… no child should die from malaria infection.”
– Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health of Sierra Leone
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The introduction of two effective vaccines—RTS,S and R21—recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) represents a breakthrough in child health and malaria control efforts. A pilot program conducted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi demonstrated promising results with notable reductions in both malaria cases and overall child mortality rates.
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“The African region is advancing in the rollout of the malaria vaccine –a game-changer in our fight against this deadly disease.” – Dr Matshidiso Moeti WHO Regional Director for Africa”
Despite these positive developments, it’s crucial to acknowledge that challenges persist. Factors such as climate change, humanitarian crises, limited healthcare access quality services pose significant obstacles. Additionally biological threats like insecticide resistance contribute to the complexity surrounding efforts for eradicating malaria effectively.
As reported by [www.africahealthtimes.com], Aurelia Nguyen from Gavi highlighted how integrating these vaccines into routine healthcare systems alongside established interventions would not only save lives but also offer much-needed relief to families and communities grappling with this health crisis.
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Source: www.africahealthtimes.com
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