A new study by the University of Ibadan has revealed that while awareness and understanding of the malaria vaccine remain low among many caregivers of under-five children in Oyo State, a large majority are willing to have their children vaccinated once the vaccine becomes available.
The research, presented at the Ibadan International Public Health Conference, found that 96.4 per cent of caregivers surveyed expressed readiness to vaccinate their children against malaria.
The study was conducted by Ayodele Victoria Damilola, a Master’s student in the Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, under the supervision of Dr. M. A. Titiloye.
It assessed caregivers’ knowledge, perceptions and intentions regarding malaria vaccination in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The findings come amid continued concern over Nigeria’s malaria burden. According to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria contributes about 27 per cent of global malaria cases, with children under five among the most vulnerable groups affected by malaria-related complications and deaths in Africa.
Although the WHO-approved RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine has been introduced into Nigeria through pilot programmes in Bayelsa and Kebbi states, Oyo State is yet to commence its rollout.
The cross-sectional study involved 307 caregivers who visited primary healthcare centres for childhood immunisation and growth monitoring services.
Despite the high willingness to vaccinate, the research revealed significant gaps in caregivers’ knowledge of the malaria vaccine. Only 54.1 per cent of respondents had heard about the vaccine, while just 27.4 per cent demonstrated adequate knowledge about it.
According to the researcher, many caregivers were not sufficiently informed about key aspects of the vaccine, including the required dosage schedule, eligible age groups and possible side effects.
The study also identified the presence of misconceptions among some respondents. Some caregivers reportedly believed that the malaria vaccine could cause infertility or that vaccination would make other preventive measures, such as the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, unnecessary.
However, these concerns did not significantly reduce the willingness of caregivers to embrace the vaccine.
“Many mothers said they are tired of treating malaria repeatedly and are willing to embrace any intervention that can protect their children,” Ayodele said.
The research identified confidence in healthcare workers and their recommendations as the strongest factors influencing caregivers’ willingness to vaccinate their children.
Other factors affecting decisions included trust in government health programmes, previous positive experiences with vaccination, transportation costs, distance to healthcare facilities and the influence of community leaders.
Ayodele further highlighted the growing threat posed by environmental and climate-related challenges, noting that flooding, increasing temperatures and poor sanitation practices are contributing to mosquito breeding and the spread of malaria.
She stressed that the malaria vaccine should not replace existing prevention strategies but should work alongside measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets, improved environmental sanitation, early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
The researcher called for increased public awareness campaigns before the vaccine is introduced in Oyo State, urging health authorities to focus on correcting misconceptions, improving confidence in healthcare providers and ensuring communities can easily access the vaccine.
The study concluded that strong community engagement and effective health education would be essential to achieving successful malaria vaccination coverage among children when the programme begins in the state.