Niger request for vaccine as malaria becomes country’s leading cause of mortality

Abuja, May 14, 2023 - With Malaria as the leading cause of mortality in children and women in the Republic of Niger, the government of Niger says it plans to request for the newly introduced malaria vaccines from GAVI to help tackle the scourge in the country.

The Parliamentary Delegation of the Republic of Niger to the ECOWAS Parliament disclosed the country's position while presenting the Niger Republic's country reports before the ECOWAS Parliament, during its 2023 First Ordinary Session holding in Abuja.

The delegation stated that the government of Niger however remains resolute and committed to ending the high rate of malaria morbidity.

Presenting the Country report on behalf of the delegation, Hon. Fougou Boukar stated that the morbidity rate differs from regions,

“Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Niger. The most vulnerable groups are children under five, and pregnant women.

“During the period from January 2, 2023, to April 23, 2023, that is, from one week to week sixteen of epidemiology surveillance, a total of 610,916 cases of malaria were recorded in health facilities compared to 501,446 cases during the same period of 2022, an increase of 17 per cent.

“In 2023 compared to the year 2022, there was an overall increase in deaths attributed to malaria, however, four regions namely Diffa, Dosso, Niamey and Tahoua recorded fewer deaths during same period.

“The State of Niger and its technical and financial Partners are resolutely committed to the fight against this scourge and have made it a priority.

“This progress is as a result of multiple efforts in the fight against malaria namely; routine distribution of mosquito nets impregnated with long-lasting insecticide in the country side. Preventive treatment in pregnant women, Chemo prevention of seasonal malaria (CPS) in children aged- 3to 5 months, free antimalaria drugs for children and adult.

“However, much needs to be because malaria is still one of the leading causes of morbidity in Niger.

“This is why the government of Niger accepts the introduction of RTS, vaccine against malaria in children under 5 years on age in the routine vaccination programme. Niger is one of the countries eligible by the WHO, to benefit from this strategy.

“The Ministry of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs in collaboration with partners (WHO, UNICEF etc) plans to submit Niger’s proposal to Gavi to benefit from the said vaccine,” the Country Report stated.