IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH (IJHPR )

E-ISSN 2545-5737
P-ISSN 2695-2165
VOL. 10 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijhpr.vol.10.no2.2025.pg27.42

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Evaluating the Impact of the Oxford R21 Malaria Vaccine on Child Mortality in High-Burden Regions of Nigeria

Adeleye Iyanuoluwapo O, Oyewole Samuel Aanuoluwa, Oso Tolulope Olamide, Onuoha Favour Chinyere, Aduloju Esther Olamide, Ubah Emmanuel Maduka, Ademoroti Emmanuel Adedeji

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Abstract

Malaria remains one of the leading causes of child mortality in Nigeria, with the disease claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of children under five each year. Despite significant advances in malaria prevention and treatment, the burden of the disease continues to be disproportionately high, particularly in high-burden regions. The Oxford R21 malaria vaccine, which has demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in clinical trials, offers a promising new tool in the fight against malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. This article explores the potential impact of the R21 vaccine on child mortality in Nigeria, highlighting its effectiveness, the challenges to its successful implementation, and the broader implications for the nation’s malaria control strategy. The article examines the efficacy of the R21 vaccine, which has shown 77% protection against malaria in young children, significantly outperforming previous malaria vaccine candidates. It also addresses the public health implications, projecting that widespread vaccine distribution could lead to a 30-40% reduction in malaria-related child deaths in Nigeria. Furthermore, the article discusses the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to vaccine rollout, which includes robust logistics, public awareness campaigns, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The article concludes that the R21 vaccine has the potential to transform Nigeria’s malaria control efforts, contributing to the long-term goal of malaria elimination. However, achieving its full potential will require strong policy support, sustainable funding, and collaboration between international and local stakeholders. The successful deployment of the vaccine could mark a new era in malaria control, significantly reducing child mortality and improving overall child health in Nigeria.

keywords:

Oxford R21 vaccine, malaria, child mortality, Nigeria.

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