FG Receives 846,000 Doses of Malaria Vaccines from Gavi

The Federal 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 on Thursday was attended by officials from the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and various development partners.

Speaking to reporters during the vaccine delivery, Minister of Health Ali Pate described the arrival of the vaccines as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to eliminate malaria in the country.

He stated that the vaccines would initially be distributed to states with the highest malaria burden, particularly Kebbi and Bayelsa, and would complement other malaria treatments.

Pate also addressed concerns regarding the vaccine’s efficacy, affirming that it has been proven safe and effective for malaria prevention.

Additionally, the Director General of the NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, outlined the distribution plans, noting that an enforcement team would be established by the agency, and details regarding the administration of the vaccines would be communicated in due course.

Aina mentioned that approximately 140,000 additional doses are expected in the coming months, with the goal of making one million vaccines available in the first batch.

The R21 malaria vaccine, which will be administered in two doses per vial, was produced by the Serum Institute of India.