Nigeria Begins Historic R21 Malaria Vaccine Rollout in Kebbi and Bayelsa

In a landmark development for public health, Nigeria has officially commenced the administration of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, marking a critical turning point in the nation's fight against the deadly disease. The phased rollout, which began in late 2024, has seen health workers in Kebbi and Bayelsa states administering the first doses to thousands of eligible children. Early reports from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) indicate a high turnout, driven by extensive community engagement campaigns led by local researchers and international partners.

The rollout follows years of rigorous clinical trials and regulatory reviews by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Nigerian researchers played a pivotal role in the clinical validation of the vaccine's efficacy within the local context. By April 2025, logistics partners like Zipline had successfully delivered thousands of doses to hard-to-reach riverine communities in Bayelsa using drone technology, ensuring that even the most remote populations benefit from this scientific breakthrough.

Targeting High-Risk Zones

Medical experts at Nigerian teaching hospitals are closely monitoring the immunization drive. Dr. Amina Gwadabe, a lead researcher involved in the post-market surveillance, noted that the data gathered from these pilot states will be instrumental in scaling the program nationwide. With malaria remaining a leading cause of child mortality, the successful integration of the R21 vaccine into Nigeria's routine immunization schedule represents one of the most significant scientific achievements of the decade.