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Abuja, Nigeria – 17 October 2024 — In a historic step toward combating malaria in Nigeria, 
the first-ever malaria vaccines have been delivered to the Government of Nigeria, thanks to efforts by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and WHO. The historic handover took place in Abuja, marking a critical milestone in the fight against malaria, a disease that continues to claim the lives of thousands of children under five every year in Nigeria.

As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria carries the highest burden of malaria globally, accounting for approximately 27% of the global malaria burden and 31% of malaria deaths worldwide. According to the 2023 World Malaria Report, nearly 200,000 deaths from malaria occurred in Nigeria. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% in children aged 6-59 months as of 2021. In some regions, such as Kebbi State, this rate is as high as 49%.

A National Effort to Combat Malaria

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health has been leading critical malaria control interventions, including the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC). The introduction of the malaria vaccine marks another powerful tool in the country’s comprehensive strategy to combat the disease.

“The arrival of the malaria vaccine is a monumental step in our national efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality,” said Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. “With the support of UNICEF, Gavi, and WHO, we are on a path toward achieving our goal of a malaria-free Nigeria.”