Prospects of malaria vaccination in Nigeria: Anticipated challenges and lessons from previous vaccination campaigns

Abstract

Malaria is a severe public health issue in Nigeria, with higher morbidity and mortality rates than any other country. An estimated 100 million malaria cases and over 300,000 deaths are recorded yearly in Nigeria. Vaccination is an effective strategy in combating and eliminating infectious diseases such as malaria, thus, the deployment of a prospective malaria vaccine in Nigeria offers hope to the country's health sector. However, vaccination programmes face challenges, particularly in communities that are difficult to reach geographically or culturally, and these obstacles can only be overcome through continued international, national, and individual commitment. There is a need for expanded and continuous public health information, education, and communication particularly on contemporary health issues such as malaria and vaccination hesitancy. This will enable easier implementation and compliance to strategies for the sustainable control and eventual elimination of malaria. This article highlights some of the lessons learned from previous vaccination programs in Nigeria and how the insight gotten can be pivotal in ensuring the success of a prospective malaria vaccination programme in Nigeria.