Côte d'Ivoire's Malaria Vaccine Rollout
By Miléquêm Diarassouba | Photojournalist West Africa
Nurse Kouakou Dorcas épouse Dosso holding a malaria vaccine vial at Abobo Est Health District on July 12, 2024, photographed by Miléquêm Diarassouba, Photojournalist West Africa.
Côte d'Ivoire made history as the first country to launch the R21 malaria vaccine on July 15, 2024, with the first child vaccinated in Abidjan 🇨🇮, marking a turning point in the fight against malaria. I’m Miléquêm Diarassouba, Photojournalist West Africa, and I documented this transformative event for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. From cold storage facilities to the emotional first dose, my team and I captured every step of this life-saving journey.
I had the honor of shadowing Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, as she connected with healthcare workers, mothers, and children during the launch of malaria vaccine in Côte d’Ivoire. This milestone is a crucial advancement in the fight against malaria, a disease that claims over 600,000 lives annually, including 1,000 children in Côte d’Ivoire each year
🦟 Transmitted by mosquitoes, malaria remains the deadliest disease in Africa, with 95% of its 600,000 annual deaths occurring on the continent.
In Côte d’Ivoire, three children die daily from this preventable illness. Through my photography, I aim to encourage parents and communities to trust in the R21 vaccine and local healthcare systems.
Already proven safe and effective in several African countries, the R21 vaccine offers hope for a malaria-free future. Join us in protecting our children—learn more about the launch of malaria vaccine in Côte d’Ivoire by clicking here.
