Liberia Receives Initial Shipment of Malaria Vaccines, More Expected in July

Liberia's Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto, announced to the House of Representatives that the country has received 88,780 vials of the malaria vaccine out of the allotted 112,000, as part of 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 the malaria vaccines is a crucial component of the WHO's Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program, aimed at reducing the incidence of malaria-related illnesses and fatalities across the continent. Liberia is among 12 African countries benefiting from this initiative, with a particular focus on areas with high malaria prevalence, especially among children.

Dr. Kpoto emphasized the Ministry of Health's commitment to prioritizing the rollout of the vaccine in six Southeastern counties, targeting children aged 0-23 months in 39 districts within these regions. The arrival of the RTS malaria vaccine in January 2024, made possible through collaboration with organizations such as GAVI, WHO, and UNICEF, signifies a significant milestone in Liberia's public health efforts against malaria.