Niger has become the latest West African country to implement malaria vaccinations in an effort to reduce the burden of this potentially deadly disease. The country's Health Minister, Garba Hakimi, announced the commencement of a large-scale vaccination campaign, with the initial rollout taking place in Gaya, a city in southwestern Niger particularly affected by malaria.
Vaccination Campaign Details
The anti-malarial vaccine RTS,S, developed by the UK-based pharmaceutical company GSK, has been incorporated into Niger's routine immunization program. This decision follows the WHO's approval of the vaccine in 2022. The health minister stated that the vaccination campaign is expected to significantly decrease child mortality rates, given that malaria is responsible for 19% of child deaths in Niger.
Impact and Effectiveness
According to estimates, the RTS,S vaccine offers 75% protection against severe manifestations of malaria, which include symptoms such as fever, headaches, and chills. Niger reports an average of five million malaria cases annually, with over 5,000 resulting in fatalities.
Broader Strategy
In addition to the vaccine rollout, Niger plans to sustain its comprehensive anti-malarial strategy. This includes the distribution of free mosquito nets treated with insecticide and the administration of preventive medication to children in advance of the rainy season, which typically sees a surge in malaria cases.
Regional Efforts
Niger joins a growing list of West African nations that have authorized malaria vaccines in recent months, including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. The WHO recommends two malaria vaccines for children: RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M, the latter being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
