Zambia has received its consignment of the new malaria vaccine and is preparing to launch it this month as part of a national strategy to strengthen prevention and reduce malaria-related deaths.
End Malaria Council (EMC) Liaison Officer, Dr. Dennis Musonda, confirmed that the vaccine—targeted at children under six—will first be administered in districts with high malaria prevalence. He described the development as a major step forward in the country’s fight against malaria.
While the vaccine is available in most districts, Dr. Musonda explained that the rollout will begin in high-incidence areas before expanding nationwide. The official launch, to be officiated by Minister of Health Elijah Muchima, is expected within the next two weeks.
Dr. Musonda reaffirmed the EMC’s commitment to supporting government efforts in malaria elimination, emphasizing that a combination of vaccines, mosquito nets, and indoor residual spraying remains crucial to achieving a malaria-free Zambia.
-ZNBC