The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the launch of a large-scale rollout of the life-saving malaria vaccine in the Republic of Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
This initiative targets millions of children across the three West African nations.
WHO stated, “Today’s launch brings to eight the number of countries on the continent to offer the malaria vaccine as part of the childhood immunisation programmes, extending access to more comprehensive malaria prevention.”
The introduction of the malaria vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation for our children is a major step forward in the fight against this scourge. The Minister of Health of Benin, Benjamin Hounkpatin, reassured that the malaria vaccines are safe and effective and contribute to the protection of the children.
Liberia’s Minister of Health, Louise Kpoto, expressed optimism about the impact of the vaccine, stating, “We have a powerful tool that will protect them from this devastating illness and related deaths, ensuring their right to health and a brighter future.”
In Sierra Leone, the Minister of Health, Austin Demby, emphasised the significance of the new malaria vaccine, saying, “With the new, safe and efficacious malaria vaccine, we now have an additional tool to fight this disease. In combination with insecticide-treated nets, effective diagnosis and treatment, and indoor spraying, no child should die from malaria infection.”
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted the importance of the malaria vaccine rollout, stating, “The African region was advancing in the rollout of the malaria vaccine, a game-changer in the fight against the deadly disease.”
