Burundi has joined 17 other African countries in incorporating the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization program. The initiative, supported by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, aims to reduce malaria-related deaths and alleviate the impact of the disease, which remains a leading cause of infant mortality in the country.
The announcement was made by Cléophas Nizigiyimana, the Governor of Bubanza province, who highlighted the significant burden of malaria in his region. “1.2% of patients treated in 2024 suffered from malaria,” Nizigiyimana noted, emphasizing the vulnerability of the Imbo region.
The vaccination program will begin in nine provinces, particularly those heavily impacted by the disease, including Bubanza, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Karusi, Kirundo, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, and Ruyigi. Lydwine Baradahana, Burundi’s Minister of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, confirmed that the program will expand gradually to the rest of the country.
Baradahana also stressed that the malaria vaccine is an additional tool to combat the disease, but will not replace existing preventive measures such as mosquito nets and spraying. “This vaccine reinforces other efforts,” she said, urging the public to maintain comprehensive preventive practices.
The initiative is part of a broader regional effort to address malaria, which accounted for 94% of global cases and 95% of related deaths in Africa in 2023. WHO representative Xavier Crespin called the launch a “historic moment” and praised Burundi’s commitment to reducing malaria mortality.
Mario Jimenez, Senior Country Manager for Burundi at GAVI, praised the vaccine’s integration as a significant milestone in public health. “It represents a major advance in the fight against malaria, and it will save thousands of lives,” Jimenez said.
First Lady Denise Nkurunziza also urged parents to vaccinate their children, stressing that the four-dose vaccine, targeting infants as young as six months, complements existing malaria prevention strategies. “This vaccine is one more tool to protect our children, significantly reduce malaria, and save lives,” she stated.
As Burundi moves forward with this vaccination campaign, the hope is to reduce the prevalence of malaria in the country and strengthen its long-term health infrastructure to better serve its population.
