Nigeria Launches Malaria Vaccine for Children

Nigeria has launched a vaccination campaign against malaria, targeting young children in Bayelsa state, a region severely affected by the disease. The vaccine, developed by Oxford University, boasts over 75% effectiveness in preventing severe illness and death in the first year, with extended protection possible through a booster. Malaria continues to pose significant health risks in Africa, with Nigeria accounting for about a quarter of the estimated 263 million cases globally last year, resulting in 597,000 deaths, primarily among children under five. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for increased support to combat the disease, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The Nigerian health minister hailed the vaccination effort as a monumental step towards malaria elimination, while also stressing the importance of complementary measures like bed nets and insecticide spraying. With a population exceeding 210 million, Nigeria's campaign is part of a broader effort involving 17 countries to introduce new malaria vaccines for young children.