Burkina Faso has taken a significant step in combating malaria by incorporating the RTS,S vaccine, recommended by the World Health Organisation, into its regular vaccination schedule.
Infants visiting health facilities for routine vaccinations in the West African nation now have access to this additional protection against the disease.
The initial phase of the vaccine rollout targets approximately 250,000 infants aged between five months and one year across 27 health districts severely impacted by malaria.
This initiative aims to address the staggering toll of malaria in Africa, where annually, 600,000 individuals succumb to the disease, with children under five accounting for at least 80% of these fatalities.
Cameroon recently became the pioneer in integrating the RTS,S vaccine into its routine immunisation program, setting a precedent for other nations. Over 15 African countries are poised to follow suit this year, as reported by the Global Vaccine Alliance, Gavi.
