Health workers in Ivory Coast began vaccinating children against malaria on Monday, as the government added the malaria vaccine to the list of routine immunizations. This West African country is the first to roll out the new R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by Oxford University, aiming to cover about 250,000 children under two.
Health Minister Pierre Demba emphasized the government's commitment to children's health at the launch ceremony, stating, "We want to assure their protection and their well-being, because they are the future of our country."
Alice Kanga, a mother present at the vaccination event, highlighted the importance of the vaccine for children's health.
The WHO authorized the three-dose vaccine last October. Unlike the previous Mosquirix vaccine, which required four doses, the new vaccine offers prolonged protection. The Serum Institute of India has already produced 25 million doses and plans to manufacture at least 100 million annually.
Malaria primarily affects children under five and pregnant women, with Africa accounting for over 94% of the world's 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths annually.
Dr. Fatim Tall, acting WHO Representative in Ivory Coast, expressed hope that the vaccine would significantly improve child health outcomes. However, experts stress that preventive measures like insecticide spraying and bed nets remain vital.
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