This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
Published on September 20, 2019, the world's first malaria vaccine has been introduced in Siaya County, Kenya, as part of a large-scale pilot project.
The vaccine will be administered to children in Gem, Rarieda, and Ugenya sub-counties, with the aim of reducing the prevalence of malaria in the region.
According to the World Health Organisation, the vaccine offers partial protection from the disease, and will be given to children from six months to two years in four stages.
Siaya County Director of Public Health, Kennedy Orwenjo, said that the malaria prevalence rate in the county stands at 28 percent, with the highest rates found in the Lake Victoria region.
Health Ministry CS Sicily Kariuki announced that the vaccine will first be rolled out in eight counties with the highest malaria burden, including Homabay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Kakamega counties.
Residents are advised to continue using other preventive methods, such as treated mosquito nets, in conjunction with the new vaccine.
