Gynaecologists Explain Why Pregnant And Nursing Mothers Should Steer Clear Of Malaria Vaccines

Gynaecologists Explain Why Pregnant And Nursing Mothers Should Steer Clear Of Malaria VaccinesOn Thursday, Nigeria took a significant step in its fight against malaria by receiving one million doses of the highly anticipated R21 malaria vaccine from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. However, gynaecologists have advised that it is not medically advisable for pregnant women and lactating mothers to receive this vaccine. The experts noted that clinical trials assessing the vaccine’s efficacy and safety did not include pregnant and nursing women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the specialists confirmed that the vaccine is safe for non-pregnant women, and receiving it prior to pregnancy may help reduce the risk of malaria infections during pregnancy. This initiative aims to combat the high incidence of malaria and related deaths in Nigeria.

According to UNICEF, Nigeria carries the highest burden of malaria, accounting for 27% of global cases and 31% of deaths. The 2023 World Malaria Report indicated approximately 200,000 deaths due to malaria, with children under five and pregnant women being the most affected. In 2021, a 22% prevalence rate of malaria was recorded among children aged six to 59 months. The Federal Ministry of Health states that malaria is responsible for 11% of maternal deaths and 70.5% of pregnancy-related morbidity in the country.

PUNCH Healthwise also reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to its list of prequalified vaccines in December 2023. Following recommendations from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation, the vaccine was advised for use in preventing malaria in children.

During the handover ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, announced that the vaccine would be administered to children aged five to 15 months as part of routine immunization. Each child will require four doses at 5, 6, 7, and 15 months for full protection. The rollout will be expanded to other states and integrated into the national immunization schedule as additional doses become available.

The second phase of the program will target 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while the third phase will include the remaining 15 states, both scheduled for 2025. To ensure a successful rollout, a comprehensive coordination mechanism involving key stakeholders in malaria and immunization has been established at both national and subnational levels.

For more information on this article and other related posts from Bushradiogist, please join our WhatsApp channel by clicking this link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaUumOODTkK7AZL1Fw3o. For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 090 1907 0863 on WhatsApp.