South Sudan launches malaria vaccine rollout to immunize over 250,000 children under 5 in 1st phase

By Benjamin Takpiny

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) – South Sudan's government, in collaboration with three UN agencies, on Tuesday began a nationwide rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine, intending to immunize over 250,000 children under the age of five.

The rollout of the malaria vaccine, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Gavi (the vaccine alliance), aims to protect the nation's children from malaria, a leading cause of illness and death in the landlocked East African country.

Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng said the rollout of the malaria vaccine aims to alleviate the burden of this disease.

The ministry aims to vaccinate over 250,000 children aged 18 months to five years in 28 counties across six states, Deng announced at a launch ceremony in the capital Juba.

"Malaria is a major concern for our country. We are committed to reducing the impact of malaria and improving the health outcomes for our children," she said.

The launch follows the arrival of the first consignment of over 645,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine in Juba on May 31.

Malaria remains a major cause of illness and death in the country, especially among young children. Data for 2023 are not yet available, but in 2022, the country reported an estimated 2.8 million cases and 6,680 deaths.

South Sudan has one of the region's highest malaria incidence rates, with approximately 7,630 new cases and 18 fatalities per day.