The 34-year-old pharmacist, who has spent nine years working in healthcare and lives in Kebbi State, arrived at a health facility with her seven-month-old son, Abdulrazaq, to ensure he received the newly introduced malaria vaccine.
Abdulrazaq falls within the approved age bracket for the R21 malaria vaccine, which Nigeria officially introduced in 2024 as part of efforts to reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths among children.
Speaking during the vaccination visit, Omoniyi expressed relief and optimism about the programme.
“I am preparing Abdulrazaq to receive the malaria vaccination at the health facility. I am glad that he falls within the age bracket of 5–11 months,” she said.
Nigeria selected Bayelsa State and Kebbi State as the first states for the rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine due to the heavy burden of malaria in those regions.
The vaccine is administered in four doses to provide effective protection for children. Health authorities recommend that the first dose be given at five months old, although children up to 21 months can still receive it if delayed. The second dose follows at six months, while the third is administered at seven months. A booster dose is then given at least six months after the third dose and may still be administered up to 23 months old or later if necessary.
Health officials say the vaccine rollout is expected to significantly reduce severe malaria infections, hospitalisations, and deaths among young children, who remain the most vulnerable group affected by the disease.
Encouraging other parents to take advantage of the programme, Omoniyi urged mothers with eligible children not to delay vaccination.
“I would like to advise all mothers whose children fall within this age bracket to bring them to the health facility to benefit from this vaccine,” she said.
She also acknowledged the support of global health partners working alongside Nigerian authorities to implement the rollout, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
According to health authorities, nearly 569,000 children between the ages of five and 21 months had received the first dose of the malaria vaccine as of March 2026. Officials say the campaign is already helping to prevent severe illness and save lives in communities where malaria remains widespread.
For Omoniyi, the vaccine campaign represents hope for families who continue to battle the impact of malaria across Nigeria.
“It is a great privilege and opportunity to reduce the spread of malaria,” she said. “We really appreciate it. Thank you.”