South Sudan Launches Nationwide Rollout of R21 Malaria Vaccine

16th July, 2024 - Juba, South Sudan - Hon. Yolanda Awel Deng emphasized the importance of vaccination as a complementary intervention to existing malaria control measures

The Republic of South Sudan's National Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Global Vaccines Alliance (GAVI), has launched the first R21 malaria vaccine as part of the country's national immunization program.

The launch was attended by a high-level delegation, including His Excellency Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, the Vice President of the Republic and Chair of the Services Cluster, Hon. Yolanda Awel Deng, the National Minister of Health, Hon. Pal Mai Deng, the National Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, and Hon. Dr. Harriet Pasquale, the National Ministry of Health Undersecretary.

The event also saw the participation of key donor representatives, such as Patience Musanhu, the Gavi Senior Country Manager for South Sudan, and technical and implementing partners, including Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO Representative for South Sudan, and Hamida Lasseko, the UNICEF South Sudan Representative.

The launch follows the arrival of the first consignment of over 645,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine in Juba in May 2024. These vaccines will initially be distributed to the 28 counties with the highest malaria burden, with plans to scale up the rollout nationwide.

During the ceremony, Hon. Yolanda Awel Deng emphasized the importance of vaccination as a complementary intervention to existing malaria control measures. She highlighted challenges in managing funding from donors, the need for more investment in the sector, and the importance of improving living conditions for healthcare workers.

"Today, we are launching the malaria vaccine, a very important element in our efforts to alleviate the burden of this disease. Despite our ongoing efforts, malaria continues to pose a severe threat to our nation," said Hon. Yolanda.

The country's malaria vaccine program, with a four-dose schedule, targets all children who were 6 months or older on December 31, 2023.

Patience Musanhu, the Gavi Senior Country Manager for South Sudan, praised the Ministry of Health's commitment to this cause, stating, "The nationwide rollout of the malaria vaccine marks a significant milestone in South Sudan's journey to reduce the devastating burden of malaria and save countless young lives. The development exemplifies how investments in health systems can yield significant benefits, ensuring that vaccines and other interventions reach those most in need."

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines to prevent malaria in children. The rollout of the RTS, S and R21 malaria vaccines will ensure an adequate supply to meet demand, significantly benefiting children living in areas where malaria poses a major public health risk.

Hamida Lasseko, the UNICEF South Sudan Representative, emphasized the importance of training, communication strategies, and robust cold chain infrastructure in ensuring the widespread distribution of these vaccines to protect the children of the country.

Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO Representative for South Sudan, stated, "The rollout of the malaria vaccine is a game-changer in our fight against this deadly disease. With the support of our partners, we are committed to protecting young children and reducing the malaria burden in the country."

His Excellency Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, the Vice President and Chair of the Services Cluster, expressed gratitude to GAVI, UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank for their support. He underlined the importance of educating citizens about the vaccine's safety and importance, highlighting the campaign's significance in eradicating malaria in South Sudan.

Other African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, and Liberia, are also finalizing their malaria vaccine rollouts, with the support of WHO, Gavi, UNICEF, and other partners.