The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that an increase in malaria vaccines in Africa will boost access to malaria prevention and save many more lives, particularly of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young people.
A WHO official in Ekiti State, Dr Isaac Adedayo, also advocated an increase in the coverage of insecticide-treated nets to win the battle against the malaria scourge especially as it affects pregnant women and children.
Adedayo, who spoke on Thursday during the 2024 World Malaria Day sensitisation walk and celebration organised by Ekiti State Ministry of Health in Ado Ekiti, hinted that Nigeria would soon be among African countries benefitting from malaria vaccines.
Adedayo said, “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”.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, advised pregnant women and nursing mothers to shun habits that breed mosquitoes that cause malaria by embracing good hygienic practices and as well care about themselves and their children.
