According to the World Health Organisation, the introduction of more malaria vaccines in Africa will greatly enhance the availability of malaria prevention methods and ultimately save the lives of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young individuals.
Dr. Isaac Adedayo, a representative from the WHO in Ekiti State, emphasized this during the commemoration of the 2024 World Malaria Day, which was organized by the Ekiti State Ministry of Health in Ado Ekiti.
Furthermore, Dr. Adedayo disclosed that Nigeria will soon join other African nations in benefiting from the use of malaria vaccines. He also stressed the importance of expanding the distribution of insecticide-treated nets as a crucial strategy in combating the rampant spread of malaria, particularly when it comes to the vulnerable groups of pregnant women and children.
The WHO official mentioned , “Malaria is a primary cause of illness and death for African children – one child dies from malaria every minute of every day. This is an enduring challenge with tragic consequences. Nearly half a million African children die from malaria every year.
“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.
“Wider rollout of life-saving malaria vaccines in Africa is moving forward, with the vaccine already protecting children in Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, and more countries targeting introductions in the coming weeks and through 2024. I can tell you that Nigeria will soon be among the countries enjoying malaria vaccines.
“Efforts must continue to increase bed net coverage and use. In 2022, only about half – 56 per cent- of young children in sub-Saharan Africa, slept under an insecticide-treated net.”
Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Health, urged pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid behaviors that encourage the breeding of mosquitoes and instead adopt proper hygiene practices.
