Malaria vaccine in Togo: stakeholders mobilized to raise awareness in Greater Lomé

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Extract from the article: Starting September 1, 2025, the malaria vaccine will be introduced into the routine vaccination schedule for children under one year of age. To ensure the success of this introduction, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Lomé, the immunization division o

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Starting September 1, 2025, the malaria vaccine will be introduced into the routine vaccination schedule for children under one year of age. To ensure the success of this introduction, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Lomé, the immunization division of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene raised awareness among decision-makers, health professionals, journalists, and community leaders about the actions to be taken to support the introduction of the R21 malaria vaccine into routine vaccination in Togo.

The meeting aimed to share essential information about the vaccine, strengthen the skills of stakeholders, and ensure community buy-in for this major public health innovation. The communication strategies presented take into account the resurgence of rumors and reluctance related to COVID-19 vaccination.

Stakeholders received information on the introduction of the malaria vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization in Togo, the new vaccination schedule, vaccination strategies, and the role of the media in mobilizing the population. Discussions also focused on malaria and complementary means of prevention.

Discussions focused on the new vaccination schedule and vaccination strategies. Dr. Éric Gnassounou-Akpa, head of the monitoring and evaluation section of the immunization division at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that this vaccine is safe and effective in reducing cases of uncomplicated and severe malaria in children. He specified that five-month-old children will receive four doses: the first at five months, the second at six months, the third at seven months, and a booster dose at fifteen months.

Participants committed to relaying this essential information. Their role will be to strengthen understanding and dispel fears, with a clear goal: to vaccinate 80% of five-month-old children.

Malaria remains a major threat to Togo. According to recent data, it caused 905 deaths in 2022. The disease is particularly deadly among the youngest, accounting for 65% of deaths among children under 5 in the same year. The majority of these cases are due to Plasmodium falciparum (94.6%).

Esther KOLANI