Liberia to launch Anti-Malaria Vaccine for children 5-18 months

MINISTRY OF HEALTH, April 23, 2024: The Government of Liberia, with support from its partners, will officially launch an anti-malaria vaccine for children 5-18 months in Cestos City, Rivercess County, tomorrow, Thursday, April 25, 2024.

According to a release from the Ministry of Health, Liberia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto, is expected to administer the first vial of an already available 88,780 vials of the malaria vaccine in country as part of the government of Liberia’s sustainable health package of children in accordance with the World Health Organization’s initiative to combat malaria in Africa. The remaining doses are anticipated to arrive in July 2024, marking a significant step forward in Liberia’s efforts to address the burden of malaria.

The distribution of malaria vaccines is a crucial component of the WHO’s Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program, which aims to reduce the incidence of malaria-related illnesses and fatalities across the continent. Liberia is among 12 African countries benefiting from this initiative, which focuses particularly on areas with high malaria prevalence, especially among children.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to prioritizing the rollout of the vaccine in six Southeastern counties, which have shown increased cases of malaria over the last months. The vaccine targets children aged 0-23 months in 39 districts within these regions.

The anti-malaria vaccine will be administered at all health facilities across the six southeastern counties, including Rivercess, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, River Gee, and Mayland.

It may be recalled that the government of Liberia, with support from its partners, including GAVI, WHO, and UNICEF, received the RTS malaria vaccine in January 2024, signifying a significant milestone in Liberia’s public health efforts against malaria.