The Federal Government expressed optimism that Nigeria will get the World Health Organization’s newly approved R21/Matrix-M vaccine for malaria prophylaxis in children by mid-2024.
Dr Faisal Shuaib, the NPHCDA’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, revealed this to newsmen on Monday.
Following guidance from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group, the WHO endorsed the R21 malaria vaccine on Monday.
The NPHCDA’s Shuaib stated that the R21 malaria vaccine might be available in Nigeria by mid-2024.
In his words:
“WHO has to prioritise Nigeria because Nigeria has a population of kids with malaria burden, so they have to look at places where the burden of malaria is high and prioritise those countries. So, definitely, there is hope that Nigeria will get it in mid-2024
“We are working with our partner, Gavi, and it is a priority for us. We will announce the date when Nigeria will get it in the next few days but it is great news that the WHO has recommended the vaccine.”
cc: Punch Ng
