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Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Introduction of the Malaria Vaccine into Nigeria’s EPI schedule

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/LinkedIn

Nov 29, 2024, 12:25

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Introduction of the Malaria Vaccine into Nigeria’s EPI schedule

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared on LinkedIn:

“The long-awaited Malaria vaccine is finally here and it is commendable to note that Kebbi is one of the pilot states. In this regard, Medicaid Radio-diagnostics and Clinics recently participated in an advocacy meeting regarding the introduction of the Malaria Vaccine (R21) into Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) schedule.

Organized by the Nigerian Federal Ministry Of Health(FMOH) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) UNICEF, World Health Organization Nigeria and other partners, we were ably represented by Dr. Alexander Obaje Audu and Pharmacist Omotayo Oluwashina.

For uncomplicated malaria, the average out-of-pocket expense in Nigeria ranges between ₦3,000 – ₦10,000 ($4–$13). Severe cases requiring hospitalization could cost over ₦50,000 ($65+). A vaccine would greatly reduce the costs and deaths.

The first phase of the vaccine roll-out will target infants aged 5-11 months in Kebbi and Bayelsa States, where malaria prevalence remains alarmingly high. The vaccine is part of a comprehensive five-pronged approach to malaria eradication, emphasizing vaccination, mosquito net distribution, environmental hygiene, malaria treatment, and proper testing.

I am excited to see the collective commitment to eliminate malaria. The vaccine is now available at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Kebbi and Bayelsa States. Parents or guardians of eligible infants (5–11 months) can access the vaccine free of charge at these centers.”

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Introduction of the Malaria Vaccine into Nigeria's EPI schedule

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, UICC President-Elect of 2024-2026, a UICC Board Member, a Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and the Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC). Dr. Bagudu is working with the state ministries of health, education, and women’s affairs to implement programs to sustainably improve menstrual hygiene, girl-child education, economic empowerment of women, and put an end to gender-based violence. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.