BREAKING: Nigeria To Get Malaria Vaccine April 2024

The Federal Government has revealed that RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine will be available in the country from April 2024.

This was made public on Tuesday by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire while speaking at a press briefing in commemoration of World Malaria Day.

He said Nigeria has applied for the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in the third application widow for the vaccine which ended April 18, 2023.

WMD is celebrated on April 25 every year to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.

The World Health Organisation, in 2021, recommended the widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with moderate to high Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmission.

Meanwhile, a third window of applications for support from Gavi opened until April 18.

Dr Osagie, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mamman Mamuda, said “Let me also inform you that the National Programme is working closely with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other stakeholders in accessing and deploying the malaria vaccine (RTS,S) in a phased fashion subject to availability of needed quantity.

“The country has also successfully submitted an application to Gavi for the RTS,S vaccine allocation. This is expected to be in-country by April 2024.”