Burkina Faso Initiates RTS, S/S01 Malaria Vaccine Program

KOUDOUGOU – Burkina Faso has embarked on a significant public health initiative with the national launch of the RTS, S/S01 malaria vaccine, aimed at combating the prevalent threat of malaria among children in the region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, the vaccine rollout began in Koudougou on February 5, 2024, targeting children at critical ages for malaria exposure. The vaccination schedule includes four doses administered at 5, 6, 7, and 15 months of age. Dr. Kargougou expressed optimism about the program, noting the acquisition of over 800,000 doses out of a projected need of nearly 3 million doses for 2024. This initiative marks a significant effort by the Burkinabè government to reduce the incidence of malaria, historically the leading cause of mortality, hospitalization, and morbidity in Burkina Faso.