Malaria vaccine

Sudan launches malaria vaccine campaign

Sudan Launches First Malaria Vaccination Campaign Amid Ongoing Conflict Sudan has begun its first malaria vaccination campaign amid its 18-month-long civil war, targeting 148,000 children under 12 months across 15 sites in Gedaref and Blue Nile states. The country is one of the first 16 African nations to roll out the malaria vaccine, a joint initiative by the Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The campaign follows the arrival of 186,000 vaccine doses in October, with plans to expand the program to 129 sites by 2025 and 2026. Malaria remains a leading cause of death in Africa, with nearly half a million children under five dying annually from the disease, according to UNICEF. In 2023, Sudan reported more than 3.4 million malaria cases, with an estimated 7,900 deaths. However, the ongoing conflict has made accurate reporting difficult. The vaccine, recommended for children aged 5-12 months, aims to reduce hospital admissions and fatalities from malaria. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced over 14 million people, or about 30% of the population, according to the UN.

Sudan launches malaria vaccine campaign Read More »

Nigeria to launch new malaria vaccine

Nigeria is set to become one of the first countries to deploy a new malaria vaccine after receiving an initial batch of 846,200 doses. Developed by scientists at the University of Oxford and produced by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax, the R21 vaccine marks a significant step in the country’s fight against malaria. Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate noted that these doses are crucial for eliminating malaria, a disease that affects around 97% of the Nigerian population. Nigeria is the hardest-hit country globally, accounting for 31% of malaria-related deaths. The vaccines, acquired in partnership with the international Vaccine Alliance, Gavi, will be provided free of charge. A trial rollout will start in Kebbi and Bayelsa, the states with the highest malaria burden, before expanding nationwide. An additional 153,800 doses are expected to arrive on October 26, bringing the total to nearly one million.

Nigeria to launch new malaria vaccine Read More »

African Leaders warn of funding crisis in Malaria fight

African Leaders Warn of Funding Crisis in Malaria Fight Amid Global Challenges African leaders have highlighted significant funding gaps in the fight against malaria, exacerbated by the ongoing global financial crisis and climate change impacts. Meeting this week in New York alongside the United Nations General Assembly, they emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to prevent a funding crisis that could reverse decades of progress. The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), which hosted the meeting, warned that continued reductions in malaria funding could lead to an additional 112 million cases and approximately 280,000 deaths by 2029. Currently, Africa accounts for about 236 million malaria cases—95% of the global total—and 97% of deaths, with Nigeria bearing nearly a third of this burden. Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, chair of ALMA, stated, “We must act urgently to protect lifesaving malaria interventions. Our target is to eliminate malaria in Africa.” Experts estimate that the continent needs up to $6.3 billion annually to eradicate the disease, urging sustained global support for malaria financing. ALMA also pointed to climate change and increasing resistance to insecticides and antimalarials as major hurdles in combating malaria. Ngashi Ngongo, head of the Executive Office at the African Union, noted that eliminating malaria alongside addressing other endemic diseases like HIV and tuberculosis is vital for reducing Africa’s overall disease burden and achieving universal health coverage. Following the World Health Organization’s approval last year, malaria vaccines are now being integrated into routine immunization schedules for children across Africa. Additionally, on Thursday, Nigerian health authorities signed an agreement with U.S.-based drone company Zipline to utilize AI-powered drones for distributing medical supplies, including blood and vaccines. Abdu Muktar, Nigeria’s national coordinator for the Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain Initiative, praised the initiative’s ambition to produce healthcare products locally, emphasizing the importance of effective delivery systems. “What Zipline is doing is using technology to ensure delivery, reduce waste, and enhance accountability,” he said. In 2022, governments of malaria-endemic countries contributed approximately $1.5 billion to combat the disease.

African Leaders warn of funding crisis in Malaria fight Read More »

Scroll to Top