Hope for Sudan: New Malaria Vaccine Rollout Targets Children Under One
Sudan is embarking on a monumental effort to combat malaria, with the rollout of a new vaccine aimed at protecting its most vulnerable population – children under one year old. The first batch of 186,000 doses arrived in October, prepared to reach over 148,000 infants. This initial phase focuses on 15 areas within the Gedaref and Blue Nile states, marking the beginning of a broader strategy.
By 2025-2026, the program plans to significantly expand its reach, introducing the vaccine in 129 areas across the country. This ambitious initiative comes at a critical time, as Sudan grapples with a severe malaria burden. In 2023 alone, over 3.4 million cases were reported, and the disease is estimated to have claimed the lives of 7,900 individuals. These figures are likely a conservative estimate due to the ongoing conflict plaguing the nation.
A Deadly Threat, a Beacon of Hope
Malaria is a devastating disease, responsible for claiming the lives of nearly half a million children under five each year in Africa. This new vaccine offers a promising tool in the fight against it. Administered to infants between 5 and 12 months old, the vaccine requires four doses for optimal protection. It complements existing preventive measures, such as using insecticide-treated mosquito nets, further strengthening Sudan’s defense against this deadly disease.
Sudan’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including a decline in national vaccination coverage from 85 percent before the war to approximately 50 percent now. In active conflict zones, vaccination rates plummet to a mere 30 percent. This, coupled with recurring outbreaks of preventable diseases like cholera, measles, and polio, underscores the urgency of bolstering the country’s immunization infrastructure.
This new malaria vaccine represents a glimmer of hope. By safeguarding young children, Sudan can make strides toward healthier futures for its youngest generation.
What are the key obstacles facing the implementation of the malaria vaccine program in Sudan?
## Hope for Sudan: New Malaria Vaccine Rollout Targets Children Under One
**Anchor:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about a promising development in the fight against malaria in Sudan. Joining us is Sheldon Yett, UNICEF representative in Sudan. Sheldon, thanks for being here.
**Sheldon Yett:** Thanks for having me.
**Anchor:** Sudan is rolling out a new malaria vaccine, specifically targeting children under one. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
**Sheldon Yett:** Absolutely. This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect Sudanese children from this deadly disease. Malaria is a significant public health threat in Sudan, and sadly, young children are the most vulnerable. This new vaccine provides a critical layer of protection, potentially saving countless lives. We’ve already started the rollout with an initial batch of 186,000 doses [[1](https://allafrica.com/stories/202411060002.html)].
**Anchor:** That’s fantastic news. How important is this vaccine in the fight against child mortality in Sudan?
**Sheldon Yett:** It’s incredibly important. Malaria is a leading cause of child mortality in Sudan. This vaccine offers a powerful tool to reduce those deaths and give children a better chance at a healthy life. [[1](https://allafrica.com/stories/202411060002.html)]
**Anchor:** Are there any challenges you’re facing in implementing this vaccination program?
**Sheldon Yett:** Of course, there are always challenges in large-scale public health initiatives. We need to ensure widespread access to the vaccine, particularly in remote areas. Community engagement and education are vital to address any misconceptions and ensure parents understand the importance of vaccinating their children.
**Anchor:** What’s the ultimate goal of this vaccination program?
**Sheldon Yett:** Our ultimate goal is to drastically reduce malaria infections and deaths among children under one in Sudan. This vaccine, combined with other malaria control measures, offers hope for a brighter and healthier future for Sudan’s youngest generation.
