Mozambique has taken a significant step in combating malaria by rolling out a vaccination campaign in its central province of Zambezia. The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate one of the country’s leading causes of hospitalization and mortality.
During the launch ceremony in Quelimane, the provincial capital of Zambezia, on Monday, Minister of Health Armindo Tiago emphasized the importance of the vaccine in protecting the nation’s children. “The vaccine is administered intramuscularly and is given to children between six and 11 months of age,” Tiago explained.
The vaccination schedule is carefully structured to ensure maximum efficacy. For children who begin vaccination after six months, the second and third doses are administered four weeks apart, with the fourth and final dose given six months later. This regimen aims to build and sustain immunity during the most vulnerable periods of a child’s early development.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Zambezia province represents a hopeful turning point in Mozambique’s public health strategy. By targeting young children, the government seeks to significantly reduce the prevalence of malaria, improving health outcomes for future generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
