By: Morlu F. Freeman Sr., Lofa County Correspondent
In a significant move to curb the devastating impact of malaria on young children, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with local and international health partners, has officially launched a malaria vaccination campaign in Lofa County.
The program targets children aged 15 months to five years and is expected to play a critical role in reducing child mortality and illness caused by malaria.
The launch ceremony, held in Voinjama City, was attended by health officials, local leaders, community representatives, and parents who welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm and hope.
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Liberia, particularly in rural counties like Lofa, where access to preventive and curative services can be limited.
The disease is one of the leading causes of outpatient visits in the region, with young children being the most vulnerable.
Mona E. Peter, the malaria focal person at the Lofa County Health Team, noted that the vaccine—previously rolled out in southeastern Liberia in 2024 is now being extended to nine additional counties, including Lofa.
She emphasized the importance of the expansion in addressing the health needs of children in rural areas.
“Malaria is one of the primary reasons people seek treatment at outpatient departments, particularly affecting children under two years old,” Peter explained. “This vaccine will help alleviate the burden of malaria in Lofa County and protect the most at-risk population our children.” she narrated.
The vaccine being administered is part of a broader regional and global effort to integrate malaria prevention into routine child immunization schedules.
Liberia is among several African countries participating in the World Health Organization backed pilot program aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the malaria vaccine in high burden areas.
In a drive to urgetn call for action, Howard M. Yokie, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) supervisor for the Lofa County Health Team, described the vaccination campaign as a critical step in the national fight against malaria, which he called “a silent killer of children.”
“Every minute, children die from malaria, and we need to take action to protect our children,” Yokie said passionately.
He urged parents and caregivers across Lofa County to ensure their children complete the full vaccination schedule, which requires four doses over several months for full protection.
As part of the campaign, a team from the National Communication and Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health is working closely with local leaders and health workers to raise awareness about the importance of the malaria vaccine.
The team encouraged county officials, chiefs, and community-based organizations to mobilize parents especially mothers to bring their children for vaccinations during monthly immunization sessions held at health facilities across the county.
Youth President Prince Dorbor welcomed the initiative and thanked the Ministry of Health and the Government of Liberia for prioritizing children’s health.
“We are grateful for this important intervention.
It shows that the government is committed to the future of our children and is taking real steps to protect them from deadly diseases,” he stated.
Local government authorities also voiced strong support for the program.
David Marwolo, Commissioner of Voinjama District, acknowledged the suffering malaria causes in children and urged parents to take full advantage of the vaccination opportunity.
“Our children are the future, and malaria has stolen too many of their lives.
Let’s change that, starting now,” Marwolo said. He also commended the Ministry of Health for its proactive and consistent efforts to improve healthcare in Lofa County.
A representative of the mothers from Voinjama, speaking during the launch, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Health and its partners for introducing the malaria vaccine to the county.
“This is a blessing for our children. We mothers are ready to do our part by taking them to the clinic. Thank you for thinking about our families,” she said, reflecting the collective sentiment of many in the audience.
Described as a new chapter in the health care sector of Lofa County, The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Lofa County marks a milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce malaria-related deaths and improve child health outcomes.
Health authorities say that while the vaccine is not a standalone solution, it is a powerful addition to the existing malaria control strategies, which include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying, and community health education.
Health officials are optimistic that with sustained community engagement, proper implementation, and continued support from partners, the vaccine rollout will lead to a measurable decrease in malaria cases among children in the county.
As the campaign unfolds, Lofa County joins the growing number of regions across Liberia that are taking bold steps to fight malaria, protect children, and build healthier communities for generations to come.
