Kenyans divided on malaria vaccine, but majority support it

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenyans expressed mixed reactions Thursday after the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the widespread use of a new malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission after Kenya, Ghana and Malawi tried it.

In Kenya, the news that the WHO has given the green light for the first malaria vaccine for children to be rolled out both locally and across the globe has been received with jubilation, doubt and some skepticism.

Some Kenyans are happy that the lives of their newborns will be protected, as malaria is one of the leading causes of infant mortality in Kenya, while some have voiced concern over the vaccine’s effectiveness and the protection it provides.

“I am sure that many scientists and researchers have worked tirelessly to come up with the malaria vaccine to save the thousands of infants that die every year due to malaria. I would definitely have my child vaccinated to protect them,” Terry Mberia, a businesswoman, told Anadolu Agency.

Cynthia Muthoni, a college student who has a newborn, is also looking forward to getting her child vaccinated.

“I had so many problems with my firstborn. He would get really sick from malaria, especially during the rainy periods when there is stagnant water all over. I can’t wait to have my child vaccinated for malaria, and this will not only protect my son but also save me in hospital bills that are usually high.”

Meanwhile, Peter Muturi Ndegwa, a businessman in the capital Nairobi, said he is skeptical.

“I am not sure about this vaccine. I will have to wait and ensure that there are no hidden effects on my child. By wanting to protect my child, I might be bringing them more harm by him suffering some effects,” he said.

“I have grown up to where I am without any issues and dealt with malaria by going to the hospital. Thus, I see no need of getting my children vaccinated if we already have the cure.”

Noreen Atieno, who is among the parents who were in the vaccination program since 2019, spoke of the success the vaccine has had in saving the lives of infants.

“Before the vaccine, I would spend a lot of money on my child. Since he got vaccinated, he has never been sick from malaria. In two years, he has not gotten malaria. The vaccine works, and I urge all parents to ensure their children are protected.”

The WHO recommendation is to use the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa based on results from an ongoing pilot program in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that has reached more than 800,000 children since 2019.

Malaria remains a primary cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa, and more than 260,000 African children under the age of five die from malaria annually.