The Federal Minister of Health Announces the Official Introduction of the Malaria Vaccine into Routine Childhood Immunizations

The Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, announced the official introduction of the malaria vaccine into routine childhood immunizations today. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Mohamed and Sayed Al-Khabir Hospital in Karari, Gadaref Municipality, where six-month-old Aden Mohamed Khalil received the vaccine. Attendees included the Federal Minister of Livestock, Osama Muzammil, Director of the National Health Insurance Fund Dr. Farouk Nour Al-Daem, Directors General of Health Ministries from Gezira and Kassala, and representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and EMPHNET, along with other health leaders at federal and state levels.

The minister commended Gadaref State's government for its essential role in hosting and providing services to displaced people. He also praised the health workers involved in the Expanded Immunization Program, especially the pioneering teams and partners who have greatly developed the program.

Dr. Ibrahim issued an urgent humanitarian call to United Nations agencies, partners, donors, and international and local organizations to respond to the humanitarian crisis affecting thousands of displaced families from eastern Gezira due to violations by the Janjaweed militias.

Acting Governor of Gadaref, Dr. Ahmed Al-Amin Adam, stressed the need for coordinated efforts and comprehensive strategies to eliminate malaria. He affirmed Gadaref’s commitment to collaborating with youth initiatives and private companies to achieve targeted health goals, noting that Gadaref is a microcosm of Sudan. He also underscored the importance of inter-state cooperation to address challenges, stabilize Gezira, and support the Expanded Immunization Program.

The Federal Minister of Health Announces the Official Introduction of the Malaria Vaccine into Routine Childhood Immunizations

Dr. Khnassaa Al-Sunni, Director of the National Malaria Control Program, highlighted the program’s primary responsibility and historical duty in malaria control through scientific approaches and strategic interventions. These efforts focus on reducing infection rates by providing free diagnostic and treatment services, implementing disease vector control measures in collaboration with partners, and integrating the vaccine as a key part of these interventions. She emphasized the significance of this moment, noting the vaccine’s development over 30 years to reduce malaria-related illness and death, and urged joint efforts to implement measures for reducing infection rates. Dr. Al-Sunni also acknowledged past contributors to the program and the state’s support for malaria control.

WHO representative Dr. Shibl Sahbani noted the significant global impact of malaria, affecting 250 million people annually and causing approximately 600,000 deaths. He pointed out that Sudan accounted for 41% of reported cases in the Middle East region, with 1.3 million cases last year. Dr. Sahbani emphasized that the vaccine would help reduce infection rates, mortality, and the burden on health facilities. He noted that the vaccine has already been tested in 12 African countries, and WHO has collaborated with the Ministry of Health in Sudan on its introduction, training, and technical resources, encouraging increased partner support.

UNICEF representative Dr. Diediba Degefi reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting interventions that reduce malaria infections, especially among children.

In addition, the Federal Health Minister, Acting Governor of Gadaref, and other representatives launched a comprehensive nutritional service survey to improve malnutrition detection. The event also included distributing vitamin A, albendazole for deworming, and folic acid for pregnant women.