Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina said the vaccine is a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians.
He announced that the initial rollout would target two states, Bayelsa and Kebbi, chosen due to their high malaria burden and logistical challenges.
He said: “In Bayelsa, which has significant riverine areas, reaching remote communities has been a challenge for health interventions, but the strengthened healthcare systems and enhanced cold chain capabilities are expected to ensure the vaccine reaches even the most isolated populations.”
He assured that the vaccine will protect the most vulnerable in society, especially pregnant women and children under five. “The arrival of these vaccines demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding lives of Nigerians,” he said.
The targets
The NPHCDA boss explained that the vaccine will be administered to children aged five months to 15 months as part of routine immunisation. Each child requires four doses that will be given at 5, 6, 7, and 15 months of age to be fully protected.
However, the introduction will be expanded to other states and subsequently integrated into the national routine immunisation schedule, as the government receives additional doses.
“The second phase will target 19 States and FCT, while the third phase will target the remaining 15 states. Both phases are scheduled for 2025.
“To ensure a successful roll-out, we have established an elaborate cross program coordinating mechanisms that bring together key stakeholders and expertise in the malaria and immunisation space at the national and sub-national levels.
“The team has developed a robust and responsive demand generation strategy that is citizen-centred and recognizes the needs and expectations of stakeholders at all levels including caregivers, community gatekeepers, and front-line health-workers,” he added.
Possible obstacles
It’s always a huge task accepting new vaccines in Nigeria. Hence, the relevant officials start early sensitization on the benefits of the vaccine that’s being introduced. Most often, traditional and religious rulers, celebrities, and other highly respected individuals in the community are used to achieve the target.
The case of COVID-19, Polio, and recently the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) vaccines are still fresh in the memories of Nigerians.
But in addition to the challenge of misinformation, some stakeholders have predicted some resistance that might come from pharmaceutical companies that are producing anti-malaria drugs.
They stressed the need for the Federal Ministry of Health to properly checkmate the activities of the pharmaceutical companies so they don’t sabotage the good intentions of the government regarding the newly procured vaccine.
