Côte d’Ivoire Launches Groundbreaking Malaria Vaccine Campaign

In the bustling heart of Côte d’Ivoire’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation, Dr. Yao Kossia stands ready to distribute crucial vaccines to initial districts. Dr. Kossia shared insights into the roll-out of this landmark initiative, detailing the new vaccine’s implementation, public awareness strategies, and logistical and financial hurdles.

Malaria remains a severe public health challenge in Côte d’Ivoire, with the incidence rate climbing from 155 per 1,000 in 2018 to about 300 per 1,000 in 2021. For children under five, the situation is graver, with an incidence rate of approximately 600 per 1,000 in 2021. Tragically, over 1,000 children under five die from malaria annually in Côte d’Ivoire, equating to around three child deaths per day. This underscores the urgent need for effective prevention measures.

Also Read: WHO Africa Releases Groundbreaking Guidance to Boost Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease

Current strategies include insecticide-treated mosquito nets, chemoprevention for pregnant women, and environmental sanitation to control malaria vectors. However, growing resistance to insecticides, which has risen from 25% to 80%, compromises these measures’ effectiveness. The introduction of the malaria vaccine aims to complement these efforts, significantly reducing malaria incidence and mortality while alleviating socio-economic impacts.

The initial vaccine roll-out targets 38 high-incidence districts, incorporating it into the existing routine immunization programme. Starting July 15, 2024, children aged 0 to 23 months will receive the vaccine, administered in four doses at specific intervals. Dr. Kossia emphasized the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, urging parents to follow the recommended schedule for optimal protection.

To inform the public, a multifaceted communication strategy is in place, including mass communication at the central level and targeted outreach locally. Recent briefings for media, bloggers, and community leaders aim to ensure widespread dissemination of information. Personal engagement at health centers will also provide parents with detailed information as the campaign progresses.

Funding remains a significant challenge, with Gavi currently providing crucial support. However, as Gavi’s financial assistance phases out, plans are underway to secure state funding to maintain the programme. The comprehensive coordination framework includes an Interinstitutional Coordination Committee to oversee the vaccination programme and address any arising issues promptly.

The collaborative funding model involves substantial contributions from the State of Côte d’Ivoire and support from partners like WHO, UNICEF, and the President’s Malaria Initiative. These partners offer technical support and mobilize additional resources, ensuring a holistic approach to the vaccine’s implementation.

Côte d’Ivoire recently became the first country to roll out the new R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India (SII). The vaccine, granted prequalification status by WHO, follows the approval of the RTS,S malaria vaccine. Both vaccines are expected to have a significant public health impact, potentially saving tens of thousands of young lives each year.

With 600,000 malaria-related deaths in Africa annually, the wide implementation of these vaccines, alongside existing prevention methods, is crucial. SII has committed to scaling up production to 100 million doses annually, offering the vaccine at less than $4 per dose.

This monumental roll-out marks the culmination of years of dedicated research and collaboration. As Prof. Adrian Hill of the Jenner Institute at Oxford University noted, the vaccine’s low cost and large-scale availability could transform malaria control efforts across Africa. Côte d’Ivoire’s campaign aims to vaccinate 250,000 children initially, setting a precedent for other African nations.

Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners are working with countries on their vaccine roll-out plans as part of comprehensive malaria control strategies. Fifteen African countries are expected to introduce malaria vaccines with Gavi’s support in 2024, reaching around 6.6 million children. This collaborative effort signifies a pivotal moment in the fight against malaria, promising a brighter, healthier future for millions of children across Africa.