Sudan has launched its first ever malaria vaccination program, despite the country’s 18-month civil conflict.
This campaign aims to administer the vaccine to approximately 148,000 children under 12 months of age in 15 sites across Gedaref and Blue Nile states.
Sudan is among the first 16 African countries to introduce this vaccine, as part of an initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Global Vaccine Alliance.
This vaccination campaign began after the arrival in October of the first batch of 186,000 doses of malaria vaccines. Ultimately, the vaccine will be introduced in 129 sites across the country between 2025 and 2026.
Malaria remains a major threat to African children, causing nearly 500,000 deaths among those under five each year, according to UNICEF. In 2023, Sudan recorded an estimated 3.4 million cases of malaria and 7,900 deaths related to the disease, although these figures are likely underestimated due to the disruption caused by the conflict.
This vaccine, recommended for children aged five to 12 months, should help reduce hospitalizations and infant mortality due to malaria.
Since the start of the war in April 2023, more than 14 million people, or around 30% of Sudan’s population, have been displaced, according to the United Nations. The conflict erupted following escalating tensions between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, a rival paramilitary militia, in Khartoum, before spreading across the country.
Related News :