Burundi marks a decisive turning point in the fight against malaria by integrating malaria vaccine into its routine immunization program. This initiative is the fruit of collaboration between the Ministry of Health and its partners, including UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The official launch ceremony was held on Monday in the Mpanda health district, located in Bubanza province, under the patronage of Burundi’s First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye. ” Today, we are celebrating the start of the first phase of malaria vaccination for children under the age of five in the country’s 25 health districts,” said Xavier Crespin, WHO representative in Burundi.
Malaria remains a major public health issue in Burundi, particularly affecting children under five and pregnant women, recalled Public Health Minister Dr Lydwine Baradahana. ” This is why this endemic disease is one of the main national health priorities”, she added.
In her speech, the First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, hailed this significant step forward and encouraged the population, especially those living in the districts concerned by this first phase, to take an active part in the vaccination campaign so that every child can benefit.