Ghana will start implementing a new malaria vaccine | General news

As of May 1, 2019, Ghana would begin the pilot implementation program and post marketing studies of the new malaria vaccine called RTS, S / AS01, also known as Mosquirix.

The RTS, S / AS01 Malaria Vaccine Development Program (MVIP), which has been running for 30 years, since 1998, would finally bring hope to millions of children around the world by reducing the frequency of infections and increasing their risk of contracting serious infections. malaria.

Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), who announced this information during a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, announced that the pilot implementation of the vaccine would be launched at Cape Coast, in the Central Region, in April 30, 2019.

He added that the vaccine would be given in four doses starting at the age of six months, respectively seven, nine and twenty-four months, in injection on the left thigh by a qualified health worker, and that the vaccine would be administered in four doses. a child had to receive the four doses to be vaccinated. the most protection.

Therefore, all eligible children will be targeted to receive their full doses of RTS, S / AS01 administered using existing routine strategies alongside other vaccines from the expanded immunization schedule.

The Director General explained that MVIP would be set up alongside Kenya and Malawi, with the aim of badessing the feasibility and impact of the introduction of RTS, S / AS01 into the routine immunization program while monitoring safety.

It should also be an additional intervention tool to accelerate countries' efforts to control and eliminate disease.

The press conference aimed to inform the media and Ghanaians of the preparations and progress made so far in setting up the MVIP and next steps.

Dr. Nsiah-Asare badured the Ghanaians of the safety of the new vaccine, stating that, according to the various tests, the RTS, S / AS01 had a very good safety profile, a good efficacy and a positive impact on the health of the children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended pilot implementation of the vaccine as part of the country's routine immunization program.

He added that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had authorized the use of the vaccine in targeted areas, stating that six regions composed of Volta, Oti, Ahafo, Bono, Bono East and Center would participate in the pilot implementation program. , in which 33 districts would receive 400,000 doses of the malaria vaccine as first batch, with a gradual extension to other districts.

Ghana's goal was to reach between 120,000 and 150,000 children a year over the next two to three years, avert at least 50,000 cases of malaria, and save some 750 who would die from malaria. in the intervention areas.

The Ministry of Health and its agencies, as well as partners, have launched a number of preparatory activities such as staff training, developing a communication strategy including (communication strategy). crisis) and materials such as leaflets, posters, flipcharts and leaflets. been pre-tested and approved by the relevant GHS and FDA committees to ensure the safe introduction of MVIP, he said.

He added that the GHS had also initiated an in-depth dialogue between stakeholders with the Cabinet, the Parliament, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, health professional groups, media editors. , health managers in the targeted regions and the country's cold chain and injection waste management capacity, as well as the purchase of vaccines taking delivery of the first batch of 400,000 doses.

As with new vaccines and in accordance with national regulations, the GHS will continue to monitor the safety profile of RTS, S / AS01, as with all other vaccines in the routine immunization program, and thanked all partners , especially WHO. for their help.