MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, has brought into the Country over one hundred thousand doses of the RTS, S malaria vaccine.

According to a release issued recently, the arrival of the vaccine is the first ever in Liberia.

The RTS, S Vaccine was piloted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi in 2019 and is safe and effective, reducing severe malaria by 30% and malaria deaths by 13%.

The Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization at the Ministry of Health, Adolphus Clarke, described the arrival of the life-saving vaccine as a game changer in the Country’s fight against malaria.

Mr. Clarke said:” Health authorities are committed to ensuring that every child in Liberia has access to the vaccine and is protected from such deadly disease.”

Also speaking at the arrival of the malaria vaccine, WHO-Liberia Representative Dr. Peter Clement said:” The arrival of the vaccine in Liberia is a testament to the power of global collaboration, and the WHO is committed to working with its partners to ensure the vaccine reaches all children who need it.”

Health Ministry studies have shown that children under five in Liberia experience high rates of malaria infection with a prevalence rate of over ten percent.