SISSILI — A major health initiative is set to commence in the Léo health district, Sissili, where 12,285 children aged five months will receive their first dose of the malaria vaccine from June 28 to July 1, 2024. The campaign is part of a broader effort to combat the persistent public health challenge posed by malaria.
According to Burkina Information Agency, head of the expanded vaccination program in the Léo health district, malaria continues to be the leading cause of medical consultations and hospitalizations within the region. This vaccination drive aims to significantly reduce the incidence of severe malaria among young children, who are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
Dr. Aboubacary Abdou, the chief physician of the Léo health district, emphasized that the initial phase of the RTS,S malaria vaccination will target children at the age of five months. To ensure adequate protection, each child is required to complete a series of four doses of the vaccine, with a minimum interval of four weeks between each dose.
The campaign was kickstarted with an advocacy workshop on June 23, 2024, involving local authorities and influential community leaders to garner support for the vaccination efforts. The workshop featured presentations on the benefits of the malaria vaccine and the importance of seasonal malaria chemoprevention, which Dr. Abdou claimed could reduce malaria cases and related deaths by up to 75%.
The High Commissioner of Sissili, Tewindé Isaac Sia, called for widespread community engagement and urged parents to adhere strictly to the vaccination schedule to ensure the campaign’s success.