First Anti-Malaria Vaccine Not for Adults - FG

The federal government has disclosed that the first anti-malaria vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) is not meant for adults.

The FG clarified that only 5-month-old babies would benefit from the anti-malaria vaccine which is to be administered in four doses.

According to the WHO, the vaccine will also be effective against the malaria which is more common in Africa, stressing that it is not for adults.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire in Abuja. 

As reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a 2021 World Malaria Report shows that Nigeria contributes 27 percent of global malaria cases with a record of 32 percent global deaths caused by malaria. 

According to the Minister, a total of 57 million clinical cases are recorded yearly while the record for death is about 100,000.

He added that: “It is also estimated that about 60 per cent of all out-patients and 30 per cent of all hospital admissions across the country are due to malaria."

According to the Minister, while the anti-malaria vaccines were still under review, the first one has recorded a reduction of malaria risk by 40 percent in Africa as of 2020.

“The global target of the WHO is to reduce the incidence of malaria by at least 30 per cent by 2030,” he said.

He further noted the risk of self medication in treating malaria symptoms. 

According to him: “In Nigeria especially, any symptoms of chills, body pain and headache often equal the purchase of anti-malarial drugs; sometimes coupled with typhoid drugs; from the nearest pharmacy.

“Although effective in some cases, this ideology can be detrimental to our health due to complications and increasing resistance to some anti-malarial drugs."