The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine still needs to go through more trials, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), after receiving provisional approval from the NAFDAC.
The trials are to be recommended by WHO.
WHO Country Representative for Nigeria Dr. Walter Mulombo reiterated the value and effectiveness of the RTSS vaccine, which has been embraced by nations like Ghana and Kenya during a press conference on Tuesday at the UN House in Abuja.
Mulombo emphasized the need for effective policy funding and education in the efforts to get Nigeria and Africa to zero malaria as Nigeria joins the rest of the globe to observe the globe Malaria Day during Africa Vaccines Week and World Immunisation Week.
He pointed out that Africa accounted for 96% of malaria-related fatalities and infections worldwide, and that Nigeria was responsible for 79% of the continent’s unvaccinated children.
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The R21/Matrix-M created by researchers at Oxford University received regulatory approval from the federal government earlier this month.
The vaccination is intended to prevent malaria in children between the ages of five and 36 months, according to Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, Nigeria has the greatest global malaria incidence of over 27% and the highest percentage of malaria-related fatalities (32%).
Adeyeye claims that the vaccine underwent a thorough assessment using the World Health Organization’s guidelines in order to guarantee its effectiveness, safety, and quality.
The news comes a few days after Ghana became the first nation to formally approve the vaccine, which is reportedly 80% effective.
