The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of scaling up malaria vaccines in Africa to enhance access to malaria prevention and ultimately save more lives, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young people.
Dr. Isaac Adedayo, a WHO official in Ekiti State, emphasized the critical role of expanding the coverage of insecticide-treated nets to combat the malaria scourge, particularly among pregnant women and children. Adedayo made these remarks during the 2024 World Malaria Day sensitization walk and celebration organized by the Ekiti State Ministry of Health in Ado Ekiti.
Adedayo revealed that Nigeria is on track to join other African countries benefiting from malaria vaccines. He emphasized the significant impact of malaria vaccines on child health and malaria control, highlighting their potential to save tens of thousands of young lives annually.
He stated, “Malaria vaccines are a breakthrough for child health and malaria control. The scale-up of malaria vaccines in Africa will increase access to malaria prevention and save tens of thousands of young lives every year.”
Adedayo noted that several African countries, including Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, have already implemented malaria vaccination programs, with more countries set to follow suit in the coming weeks and throughout 2024.
Highlighting the importance of bed net coverage, Adedayo stressed that efforts must continue to increase the use of insecticide-treated nets, especially among young children in sub-Saharan Africa, where only about half had access to bed nets in 2022.
Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the role of pregnant women and nursing mothers in preventing malaria by adopting good hygienic practices and ensuring the use of bed nets to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites.
