-Launches Anti-Malaria Vaccine in River Cess County
By: Inez Reeves Soko
Liberia has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against malaria with the introduction of the highly anticipated RTS, S malaria vaccine.
The vaccine launch coincided with World Malaria Day, themed “Health Equity, Gender, and Human Rights: Accelerating the Fight against Malaria for a More Equitable World.”
The ceremony at the River Cess District Hospital in Gbelia, River Cess County, symbolizes a crucial moment in Liberia’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its children and communities.
Head of the National Malaria Control Program, Trokon Washington, highlighted Liberia’s progress in malaria control, noting a reduction in malaria prevalence from 27% in 2011 to 10% in 2022 using different diagnostic methods. He attributed this success to the collaborative efforts of partners and the government.
“All of these significant strides made would not have been possible without the continued support of our partners, especially PMI/USAID, CDC, the Global Fund, Last Mile Health, Breakthrough Action, Chemonics, JHPIEGO, IRC, and the rest of our Partners.” He said.
He emphasized the need for continued efforts to meet the 2030 targets of the Global Technical Strategy for malaria.
“With these interventions put in place and properly executed and monitored, malaria prevalence rate in Liberia will further be reduced.” He continued.
On January 23, 2024, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with various stakeholders, announced the arrival of 112,000 doses of the RTS, S malaria vaccine that was developed by British Pharmaceutical GSK and approved by WHO.
The consignment of vaccines is set to benefit 45,000 children in 39 districts within River Cess, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, River Gee, and Maryland. These regions were identified as having high malaria prevalence from the 2022 Malaria Indicators Survey.
According to the Ministry of Health, the anti-malaria vaccine will be readily accessible at all healthcare facilities in the six counties.
The vaccine is a crucial addition to Liberia’s preventive healthcare strategy, following successful trials in other African countries.
Basic partners such as GAVI, UNICEF, WHO, USAID, and others have played a crucial role in facilitating the vaccine introduction and ensuring its successful implementation
At the launch of the event, Health Minister Louis Kpoto expressed gratitude to partners for their collaboration in ensuring a malaria-free future for Liberian children.
The Minister highlighted the significance of this vaccine in advancing the national immunization program and protecting children’s health.
“Today’s launch of the anti-malaria vaccine targeting children aged 5 to 23 months presents a crucial advancement in our national immunization program- as it represents collaboration to safeguard the health of our children, paving the way for a healthy and malaria-free future in Liberia.” Minister Kpoto said.
UNICEF’s Representative to Liberia, Andy Brooks, hailed the launch as a groundbreaking moment in Liberia’s public health journey. Brooks praised the government’s dedication to prioritizing children’s health and combatting malaria.
“The introduction of the RTS, S malaria vaccine represents a game-changer in our fight against this deadly disease, and we commend the government’s commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of its children,” Brooks noted.
The World Health Organization, reiterated its commitment to strengthening the Liberian Health Sector, emphasizing the importance of health equity and gender equality. The WHO’s representative at the event commended Liberia’s transformative journey with the RTS, S malaria vaccine, underscoring its potential to reduce the weight of malaria.
“The World Health Organization stands in solidarity with Liberia as it embarks on this transformative journey. The RTS, S malaria vaccine holds immense potential to reduce the burden of malaria and accelerate progress towards achieving our shared goal of a malaria-free world.” The WHO representative furthered.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa who served as keynote speaker at the launch event made a groundbreaking announcement for the country’s health sector.
Speaker Koffa revealed that in consultation with President Joseph Boakai, an extra US$9 million has been allotted to the Ministry of Health, bringing the total allocation for the health sector to US$66,871,358 million in the fiscal 2024 draft national budget.
This substantial increase according to the House Speaker, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services and addressing pressing public health challenges.
During his address at the launch event, Speaker Koffa commended Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto for her outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing healthcare in Liberia. He emphasized the importance of strengthening government health facilities nationwide to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Speaker Koffa reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the President to ensure that the necessary resources are available for comprehensive medical care across the country.
