According to the FG, Nigeria will receive a malaria vaccine in 2024

In an exclusive discussion earlier this week, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, unveiled an encouraging development from the Federal Government. There’s a strong anticipation that Nigeria will receive the recently endorsed R21/Matrix-M vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for preventing malaria in children by mid-2024.

The WHO, following guidance from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group, officially recommended the R21 malaria vaccine on Monday. Dr. Shuaib underscored the importance of this milestone, emphasizing that Nigeria, grappling with a significant malaria burden among children, is poised to be prioritized by the WHO.

“Given Nigeria’s population of children affected by malaria, WHO has to prioritize our country. They focus on regions with a high burden of malaria and give them precedence. So, there’s certainly hope that Nigeria will receive it in mid-2024,” he conveyed.

In tandem with their partner, Gavi, Dr. Shuaib expressed that securing the R21 vaccine is a paramount objective for Nigeria. While the precise date of delivery is yet to be disclosed, he reassured the public that the WHO’s endorsement is uplifting news for the nation.

Keep an eye out for the imminent announcement, and let’s anticipate a significant step forward in safeguarding Nigerian children from malaria.