Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Health has urged parents to take charge of the nation’s malaria vaccination program, emphasizing that families must make sure their children receive all four doses of the RTS,S/A01 vaccine for it to be successful.
Liberia has made strides in the fight against malaria, but carelessness could undo the achievements, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Catherine T. Cooper stated during the national rollout of the vaccine in nine more counties.
“Over the past few years, we have noticed that malaria is very common in a number of counties. We have learned lessons from this. The most important question is: what can we do better to guarantee children get the vaccine?” she asked.
“Parents must commit to completing the full schedule,” she added.
Children aged five (5) to fifteen (15) months are given the RTS,S/A01 vaccination, which requires four doses for maximum protection. The vaccination dramatically lowers the number of hospitalizations and cases of severe malaria, according to data from pilot nations like Ghana.
According to Dr. Cooper, the rollout, which aims to reach 180,000 children in Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Bomi, Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Gbarpolu, is one of Liberia’s most ambitious health initiatives in recent years. As a result of this expansion, the vaccine is currently being administered in 15 counties.
She emphasized the government’s comprehensive strategy, which includes preventive treatment for children and pregnant women, case management at medical institutions, and vaccination combined with bed net distribution. Last year, around two million mosquito nets were given across the country.
“Vaccination will further reduce malaria cases when combined with these strategies. To move Liberia forward, we want to produce a healthier generation,” she stated.
Additionally, the Chief Medical Officer made a direct plea to medical staff to comfort parents about mild adverse effects like fever or injection site soreness. She informed them, “You are the ones who see parents every day. Inspire them to bring their kids, and keep a close eye out for any negative effects.”
She also emphasized the need to dispel myths, pointing out that some parents withdrew their children during the rollout’s initial phase out of fear or disbelief. “This time, we are making sure that parents are given accurate information and understand the advantages for children and families,” she stated.
The John F. Kennedy Medical Center hosted a celebration on Friday that included traditional performances, goodwill messages, and the symbolic immunization of infants under the age of two, who are the group most at risk of serious malaria consequences.
Serving as chief launcher, Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah M. Varpilah hailed the vaccine as “a historic step to save the lives of children across the country.”
She called on the government, medical professionals, and parents to collaborate. “We must reach all eligible children and assist all mothers in finishing the entire schedule.” An Immunization Caucus is being established by the Legislature to aid with this effort.
Also speaking, Acting Program Manager, EPI Dr. Yuah A. Nemah, encouraged the public to poritize the vaccine program. He noted that this will help the childred to live a better and save life. He appealed to health workers to do more in promoting the vaccine.
WHO, UNICEF, Africa CDC, Last Mile Health, Jhpiego, Catholic Relief Services, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative are among the international and local partners who have renewed their commitment to aiding Liberia’s response against malaria.
