Mozambique rolls out malaria vaccine in central region

Mozambique has administered the malaria vaccine in its central province of Zambezia as part of the government's ongoing efforts to eliminate one of the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality in the country.

The vaccine is administered intramuscularly, meaning it is injected into muscle tissue, and is given to children between six and 11 months of age, said Armindo Tiago, the minister of health, during the launch ceremony in Quelimane, the provincial capital of Zambezia, on Monday.

For children who begin vaccination after six months, the second and third doses will be given four weeks apart, and the fourth and final doses will be administered six months later, Tiago said.

Tiago stated that for the acquisition and distribution of the vaccine, the country has invested 211 million meticais (about $3.3 million).

He said the country has 800,000 doses of the vaccine available, which will be administered in all health units in Zambezia province.

"The focus on Zambezia province also stems from the limited availability of the vaccine globally. If the vaccine were not in short supply, we would introduce it nationwide simultaneously," said the official, adding that the vaccine rollout is likely to cover all regions across the country next year.

A total of 196 people out of 6 million diagnosed cases in Mozambique have lost their lives due to malaria this year, said the minister.

"Similar to what happens with injected vaccines, some adverse effects may occur, such as fever, pain, or swelling at the injection spot, but this is a normal reaction to the vaccine and should be considered a minor concern. Therefore, we appeal for the collaboration of all sectors of society for this effort," he said.

As the country's second most populated province after Nampula, Zambezia was chosen as the pioneer province due to the high number of malaria cases and deaths reported among children under five years of age, according to the Ministry of Health.

The vaccine is safe and effective and provides additional protection against malaria. Many countries have already introduced it with satisfactory results, including Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, said the ministry.