The Bayelsa State Government joins the global community in commemorating World Malaria Day under the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” while also observing World Immunization Week (April 24–30) with renewed commitment to the elimination of malaria and the expansion of immunization coverage.
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The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, highlighted the state’s progress in disease prevention and urged citizens to prioritize both malaria control and timely vaccination.
Bayelsa’s Commitment to the World Malaria Day Theme Under the Assured Prosperity Administration of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Bayelsa State is actively reinvesting in primary health care, public health and sustainable financing, reimagining malaria control through innovation, data-driven solutions, and strategic partnerships, and reigniting the fight against malaria with strong leadership, intersectoral collaboration, and community ownership.
Working closely with key partners, the state is:
Driving public awareness and education on malaria prevention and vaccination, expanding vaccine uptake and improving completion rates, strengthening delivery service in both urban and remote areas, and reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality across all Local Government Areas.
Public Health Achievements in 2023–2024
Under Governor Diri’s administration, Bayelsa has made notable progress in health security, particularly in malaria prevention and immunization efforts.
Malaria Elimination Milestones:
Introduction of the Malaria Vaccine, Bayelsa is among the first Nigerian states to roll out the malaria vaccine through the national immunization schedule.
So far 19,055 children have received the first dose, 10,537 received the second dose, and only 4,446 completed the third dose—indicating a 58% dropout rate.
This trend highlights the need for intensified public education: one dose alone is not enough. Children must complete all four doses to be fully protected.
Expanded Preventive Measures ITN ownership rose to 39% of households (NDHS 2023), covering over 300,000 families. 81.3% of pregnant women received Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT), contributing to reduced maternal and infant deaths due to malaria.
Free Access to Malaria Commodities over 250 health facilities were equipped with free rapid diagnostic kits, antimalarials, and hematinics, removing financial barriers to care.
Immunization Coverage and Access Strengthening Routine Immunization coverage has reached 85% for core vaccines, including Pentavalent, BCG, and Measles, due to improved cold chain systems and robust community engagement.
Mobile outreach teams have extended services to hard-to-reach riverine communities. Supplemental Campaigns over 200,000 children were vaccinated in 2023 through campaigns against polio, measles, and yellow fever.
COVID-19 booster doses were integrated into the routine immunization platform. Community Trust and Engagement strategic collaboration with traditional and religious leaders helped reduce vaccine hesitancy, leading to a 20% increase in rural uptake.
World Immunization Week: A Call to Action in line with the theme “Humanly Possible Immunization for All,” the Honourable Commissioner called on all Bayelsans to ensure all children complete the full vaccination schedule from birth to age two, participate in ongoing supplemental immunization drives, support health workers during both facility-based and door-to-door campaigns.
Integrated Outreach and Community Engagement
Bayelsa State continues to integrate malaria and immunization services through:
Free health outreaches offering malaria testing, net distribution, and vaccinations in Swali Market, IDP camps, and rural settlements, Comprehensive media campaigns via radio, TV, and social media to dispel misinformation and promote vaccine confidence.
Closing Statement
Professor Brisibe emphasized that the progress made so far underlines the vision of Governor Diri to build a healthier and more resilient Bayelsa.
As we commemorate both World Malaria Day and World Immunization Week, all citizens—parents, caregivers, and community leaders—are encouraged to play their part in protecting our collective future.
Together, we can end malaria and vaccine-preventable diseases in Bayelsa State.
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