The Federal Government of Nigeria has received one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, a donation from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The handover ceremony took place in Abuja on Thursday. This vaccine was added to the World Health Organisation’s list of prequalified vaccines in December 2023.
In October 2023, the WHO recommended the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine for preventing malaria in children. This recommendation followed advice from both the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group. Prequalification of the vaccine is crucial as it ensures larger access to vaccines. It also serves as a requirement for procurement by UNICEF and enables funding for its distribution by Gavi. The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine prequalified by the WHO, after the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine, which achieved this status in July 2022. Both vaccines have shown safety and efficacy in clinical trials, especially in preventing malaria in children.
At the ceremony, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, highlighted that the arrival of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives. Aina emphasized that Nigeria is one of the top contributors to the global malaria burden, accounting for 27% of cases and 31% of malaria-related deaths worldwide. In 2022, nearly 200,000 malaria deaths were recorded in Nigeria, with children under five and pregnant women being the most vulnerable.
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The vaccine is expected to enhance efforts to control and eventually eliminate malaria in Nigeria. Aina noted that its introduction could reduce overall mortality in children under five by 13% and decrease severe malaria hospitalizations by 22%. The first phase of the vaccination campaign will start in November in Kebbi and Bayelsa states, selected based on malaria prevalence rates and population size. Kebbi has the highest malaria prevalence in Nigeria at 52%, while Bayelsa’s target population aligns with the vaccine doses available.
The vaccination will be part of routine immunization for children aged five to 15 months, requiring four doses for complete protection. The program will gradually expand to other states, with a second phase targeting 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2025, followed by the remaining 15 states. A comprehensive strategy involving key stakeholders, caregivers, and frontline health workers has been developed to ensure a successful rollout.
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