Côte d’Ivoire has become the first country to include the R21 malaria vaccine in its routine immunization program, with support from Gavi, a global vaccine alliance. “Malaria poses a significant public health challenge here,” said Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi. The country has seen a dramatic increase in malaria cases, with the incidence rate rising from 155 per 1,000 to about 300 per 1,000 from 2018 to 2021. Over 1,000 children under five die annually from the disease.
Traditional prevention strategies like insecticide-treated nets and chemoprevention for pregnant women are becoming less effective due to growing insecticide resistance. Maphosa highlighted the socio-economic impacts of malaria, which causes significant school and work absenteeism, costing households around 43% of their monthly income.
The introduction of the R21 vaccine is a critical complement to existing prevention measures, aiming to significantly reduce the disease’s prevalence. The RTS,S vaccine, previously deployed in several African countries, has proven effective, reducing child deaths by 13% in pilot programs.
Fifteen African countries are set to introduce malaria vaccines in 2024, aiming to protect at least 50 million children by the end of the decade. Côte d’Ivoire has launched a comprehensive communication strategy to raise awareness and ensure vaccine uptake, including mass media campaigns and community outreach.
However, challenges remain, including limited initial vaccine rollout and funding issues. While Gavi currently covers most costs, Côte d’Ivoire is preparing to transition to state funding. Coordination and monitoring efforts are also in place to ensure the successful implementation of the vaccination program.
In addition to tackling malaria, Gavi has launched the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), which will provide up to $1 billion over ten years to support vaccine production in Africa. This initiative aims to boost the supply of essential vaccines and improve preparedness for outbreaks and pandemics.
Gavi’s broader strategy includes partnerships and innovations to improve vaccine delivery and address health security threats. With a focus on sustainability, the alliance aims to support countries in transitioning to self-sufficient immunization programs, emphasizing the importance of reaching underserved communities and addressing the impacts of climate change on disease spread.
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