Towards a malaria-free future for children
Ethiopia rolls out new malaria vaccine integrated with mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets
A historic moment for children in Ethiopia. A new malaria vaccine has been rolled out in Turmi town, South Ethiopia region, targeting 58 high malaria risk woredas (districts) in the country. Malaria is one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, where children under the age of five are the most vulnerable. As the rollout began, we met Aygi Ayke, the first child to take the vaccine.
Baby Aygi Ayke has no idea that she would be the first child to be vaccinated against malaria in Ethiopia. She sits calmly in her mother’s lap, observing curiously as the health workers make last-minute preparations to begin the vaccination. It is a historic moment for children like Aygi who live in malaria-endemic areas. Earlier that week, health workers mobilized the community in the villages, and many mothers brought their babies to the Turmi health centre.
Aygi takes the shot while sitting on her mother’s lap, and she puts on a brave face while taking the shot. It was a little painful, but she didn’t cry. “We were told that the vaccine is good for children. It will protect them from getting ill,” says Sura Dili, Aygi’s mother. “I am happy that she is vaccinated today.” Sura was also given an appointment to bring her child for the subsequent vaccination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of two malaria vaccines for the prevention of malaria (P. falciparum) in children living in malaria-endemic areas, prioritizing areas of moderate and high transmission. Ethiopia has received over 186,000 initial doses, which will be administered in 58 high-malaria-risk woredas. “We are working with our partners to reduce the burden and eliminate malaria. The introduction of the new vaccine is a major milestone for children in Ethiopia," said Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, during the launch event.
UNICEF, with funds from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, supported the vaccine procurement, distribution, and demand promotion activities, working closely with the government and partners.
Ethiopia follows an integrated approach: rolling out the vaccine along with a mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in the targeted woredas. Sura also gets two mosquito nets for her family.
Back home, the village health extension worker Netsanet Bali shows Sura how to use the mosquito net properly. This is critical in malaria prevention as the nets provide a physical and chemical barrier against mosquitoes to protect particularly vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women. “The distribution of the nets is not enough; we have to make sure that families properly utilize them.”
Aygi is a lively and cheerful child. She is growing healthy thanks to her mother's love and care. “ I don’t want to see my child getting ill. It really makes me worried,” says Sura.
The introduction of the new vaccine brings hope to Aygi and many more children in the small town of Turmi and beyond, a step closer towards seeing a malaria-free future for children in Ethiopia.
