Capturing Côte d'Ivoire's Malaria Vaccine Launch
On July 15, 2024, Côte d'Ivoire 🇨🇮 made history as the first country to introduce the R21 malaria vaccine.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, entrusted me with the responsibility of capturing this monumental event. Alongside my dedicated team, we tirelessly documented every step—from the careful handling of the vaccine in cold storage facilities to the heartwarming moment when the first baby received their life-saving dose.
I had the privilege of following Dr. Sania Nishtar, the CEO of Gavi, as she engaged with healthcare workers, mothers, and their children. It was an honor to witness this significant milestone in the fight against a disease that claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year, including around 1,000 children in my own country.
🦟 Malaria, transmitted by the world's deadliest animal—the mosquito—results in over 600,000 deaths annually, 95% of which occur in Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, approximately three children lose their lives to this preventable disease every day.
Through my photography, I hope to inspire parents and communities to embrace this vaccine and trust in healthcare facilities. The R21 vaccine has already been used in several African countries, proving to be both safe and effective. Together, we can protect our children and move closer to a world where malaria is no longer a threat.
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