The malaria vaccine will now be included in the national routine immunisation schedule, according to the Nigerian government.
The development came after it pledged to eradicate malaria following a $1.1 billion annual loss due to the health catastrophe.
At the inaugural meeting of the Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria (AMEN) held in Abuja last week, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, described malaria as not only a health crisis but also an economic and developmental emergency that must be resolved.
The Coordinating Minister stressed in his speech that the Nigerian government remains committed to eradicating malaria.
He stated, “Malaria continues to take an unacceptable toll on Nigeria.” Our country carries the largest burden of malaria, accounting for 27% of all cases and 31% of all deaths. Over 180,000 Nigerian children under the age of five will die from malaria in 2022, a tragedy that can be avoided.
Concerning the economic ramifications, the Coordinating Minister stated unequivocally, “This is not simply a health catastrophe; it is an economic and developmental emergency. Malaria lowers productivity, raises out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and exacerbates poverty-related difficulties. Malaria causes an annual loss to Nigeria’s GDP of more than $1.1 billion, highlighting the economic importance of elimination.”
Prof. Pate emphasised that malaria elimination is a vital component of the Nigeria Health System Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) framework for changing the health system, which is consistent with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Nationwide Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) announced on its X account that malaria vaccinations would now be included in the nationwide routine immunisation program.
According to him, the vaccine will safeguard millions of youngsters and bring the country closer to a malaria-free future.
Malaria is one of the worst diseases in Nigeria and Africa, killing hundreds of thousands of children under the age of five every year.
