2024-04-25 20:40:32
Cotonou/Freetown/Monrovia, on 25 April 2024 – A significant step forward in the prevention of malaria in Africa has been made by three countries – Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone – who today launched the anti-malaria vaccine on a large scale which aims to save the lives of millions of children in the three countries this is in West Africa. This introduction, announced on the occasion of World Malaria Day, aims to increase the deployment of the vaccine in the African Region.
Today’s launch brings to eight countries on the continent that offer the malaria vaccine as part of childhood immunization programs, increasing access to more comprehensive malaria prevention. Some of the 30-plus countries in the African Region that have expressed interest in the vaccine are expected to implement it over the next year with the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as efforts to expand its deployment continue. across the Region in coordination with. other preventive measures such as long-acting insecticide-treated bed nets and seasonal chemoprevention of malaria.
Benin, which received 215,900 doses, added the malaria vaccine to its Expanded Immunization Program (EPI). It should be given to babies on a 4-dose schedule starting at around 5 months of age.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in the Enhanced Immunization Program (EPI) for our children is a major step forward in the fight against this scourge. I want to reiterate that the vaccines from the Enhanced Immunization Program are safe and effective and help protect our children from serious and deadly diseases,” announced Professor Benjamin Houkpatin, Benin’s Minister of Health.
In Liberia, the vaccine was launched in Rivercess County, in the south of the country, and will later be expanded to five other counties with the highest malaria burden. At least 45,000 children should benefit from the 112,000 vaccine doses available.
“For too long, malaria has stolen our children’s smiles and dreams. But today, thanks to this vaccine and the tireless commitment of our community, our health professionals and our partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and WHO, we are breaking the chain. We have a powerful tool that will protect them from this devastating disease and related deaths, ensuring their right to health and a better future,” said Dr. Louise Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health. “Let’s end malaria in Liberia and pave the way for a healthier and more just society. »
Two safe and effective vaccines – RTS,S and R21 – recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), represent progress for children’s health and the fight against malaria. A pilot malaria vaccination program in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi reached more than 2 million children between 2019 and 2023, showing a significant reduction in malaria cases and a 13% drop in overall child mortality, as well as a significant reduction in the number of -hospital.
In Sierra Leone, the first doses were given to children at a health center in the Western Rural District, where authorities began rolling out 550,000 vaccine doses. The vaccine will then be given in health centers across the country.
“With the new safe and effective malaria vaccine, we now have an additional tool to fight this disease. Combined with insecticide-treated bed nets, effective diagnosis and treatment, and indoor spraying, no child should die from malaria,” said Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health.
Malaria remains a major public health problem in the African Region, which includes 11 countries that carry approximately 70% of the global malaria burden. According to the Global Malaria Report, the Region reported 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths in 2022.
“The roll-out of the malaria vaccine is increasing in the African Region, which will transform our fight against this deadly disease,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Together with our Member States and partners, we support ongoing efforts to save the lives of young children and reduce the burden of malaria in the Region.”
Aurélia Nguyen, Program Manager at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said: “Today we celebrate more children having access to a new tool to save lives and fight against one of the deadliest diseases in Africa. The introduction of malaria vaccines into routine programs in Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone, together with other effective interventions, will help save lives and provide relief to families, communities and strained health systems”.
Since 2017, progress against malaria has stagnated in these high-burden African countries, due to factors such as climate change, humanitarian crises, poor access to health services and lack of quality healthcare, gender barriers, biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance. , and global economic crises. The situation is exacerbated by fragile health systems and serious gaps in data and surveillance.
To get the fight against malaria back on track, the WHO recommends a strong commitment at all levels, especially in countries with a high disease burden. The Organization notes the need for more national and international funding. The fight against malaria must be based on science and data, emphasizes the WHO, which requires urgent action against the effects of climate change on health, the exploitation of research and innovation, as well as strong partnerships to fight coordinate against this disease. Finally, the WHO emphasizes the need to address delays in the implementation of malaria control programmes.
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