Kossi: An advocacy meeting to introduce a malaria vaccination campaign was chaired by Noufo Dembele, the High Commissioner of Kossi Province and president of the health council for the region's health district. The meeting, held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, included administrative, religious, and customary authorities and focused on the introduction of anti-malaria vaccinations.

According to Burkina Information Agency, a WHO report on malaria revealed 263 million cases globally in 2023, with 597,000 deaths. A staggering 95% of these cases and 96% of deaths occurred in Africa. Burkina Faso, where malaria is the leading cause of death, has intensified its malaria control efforts by incorporating vaccination into its Expanded Immunization Program across 70 health districts.

Children under five and pregnant women are identified as the most vulnerable groups. The advocacy campaign coincides with the peak malaria season, a time when families are severely affected by the disease and are turning to health workers for assistance. The campaign also aims to disseminate information about the vaccine's rollout.

The vaccination campaign targets children born on or after January 1, 2025, and those at least five months old. It officially commenced on August 14, 2025. Ibrahim Ouedraogo, head of the Expanded Immunization Program, emphasized that malaria prevention should be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes vaccination and mosquito net use. The program requires children to receive four doses for optimal protection, with specific intervals between each dose.

The High Commissioner, Noufo Dembele, expressed gratitude to defense and security forces for their continuous efforts, as well as to NGOs and programs supporting the government's health initiatives. The Chief Medical Officer of the health district highlighted the need for commitment to scaling up vaccination efforts and enhancing social mobilization to meet the campaign's goals.