Nakambe: The Secretary General of the Nakambe region, Sayouba Ouedraogo, chaired an advocacy workshop in Tenkodogo to discuss the extension of malaria vaccination. This initiative is seen as a key measure to protect children and enhance the fight against malaria in Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, malaria continues to be a significant challenge in the region, particularly affecting children under five and pregnant women. National data indicates that in 2024, malaria impacted over 10.8 million individuals, leading to 3,523 deaths, with 2,206 of these fatalities being children under five.
Following a successful pilot phase in 27 health districts in 2024, Burkina Faso plans to expand the vaccination program nationwide starting August 15, 2025. The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of involving traditional and religious leaders, media, community organizations, and women’s and youth associations in this effort. He called upon these groups to become advocates for the vaccination initiative to tackle vaccine hesitancy effectively.
Mr. Ouedraogo also reiterated the commitment of regional authorities to back this initiative, urging participants to emerge from the workshop with “strong and concrete” commitments to mitigate malaria’s impact in the region and the country.
Regional Director of Health of Nakambe, Dr. Issa Guire, emphasized the critical role of journalists and communicators in gaining public support. He noted that the vaccination targets children aged 5 to 23 months, with four doses scheduled. The success of the program hinges on parental mobilization and community involvement.
The workshop also addressed challenges such as raising awareness among families, ensuring all children born since January 2025 receive the vaccine, and countering misinformation. Health authorities are also preparing to monitor any potential side effects of the vaccination.