Hounde: The Hounde health district organized an advocacy meeting to promote the introduction of the malaria vaccine (VAP) within the district. The gathering brought together administrative, traditional, and religious authorities, along with media representatives, bloggers, and civil society organizations, aiming to bolster support for the vaccine’s integration into routine immunization.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the malaria vaccine rollout commenced on August 14, 2025, in the Hounde health district. The management team of the district engaged with administrative authorities and community leaders on September 3, seeking their backing for the vaccine’s introduction. The meeting outlined the rationale behind the vaccine’s introduction, targeted demographics, vaccination strategies, and the expectations from community leaders.
Bamory Dao, head of vaccination prevention, presented data indicating a significant number of malaria cases and fatalities among children under five in Burkina Faso. Specifically, in Tuy province, 2024 saw 202,390 cases, with 69,079 being serious, and 26 deaths recorded in children under five. He emphasized that the vaccine targets children born in 2025, aged five months, requiring four doses. Additionally, he stressed the importance of continuing preventive measures, such as using treated mosquito nets.
Dr. Youssouf Ouedraogo, the Hounde District Medical Officer, highlighted that the vaccine is nearly 63% effective. When combined with other preventive measures like seasonal malaria chemoprevention, treated mosquito nets, and eliminating breeding sites, children’s protection could reach about 75%. He advised that vaccination should be part of a multifaceted approach to combat malaria effectively.
High Commissioner of Tuy, Issiaka Segda, who chaired the meeting, encouraged participants to support the introduction of the anti-malaria vaccine to achieve the desired outcomes.