Bomi County Health Officer Launches Malaria Vaccine; administers First Dose to Five Month Old Baby

By: Ernest Kpehe Moibah | Correspondent

Bomi County, Liberia-Friday, October 3,2025-In a landmark public health milestone, the Ministry of Health and partners on Friday officially launched the nationwide Malaria Vaccine Scale-Up Program in Bomi County, with County Health Officer Dr. Annette Brima-Davies administering the first dose to a five month old child.

The ceremony, held under the direct supervision of the Bomi County Health Team, marked the start of a new immunization phase targeting children aged five to fifteen months, a demographic most vulnerable to the deadly disease.

CHO Leads by Example

Administering the vaccine to a five month old baby, Dr. Brima-Davies declared that malaria immunization is now fully integrated into routine healthcare services across Liberia.

“As of today’s launch, all health facilities; public and private will have the malaria vaccine available for every child less than two years,” she said. “I want to encourage all mothers with babies between five and fifteen months to bring their children forward. This vaccine is free of charge and comes at no cost.”

Dr. Brima-Davies highlighted the pressing need for the intervention, noting that malaria and typhoid remain the most common diagnoses among patients visiting health facilities.

“With this vaccine now available in Bomi, I am optimistic that we will see a drastic reduction in malaria cases among children,” she added.

Local Authorities Express Support

Representing the office of Bomi County Superintendent, officials extended gratitude to the Ministry of Health, the county health team, and development partners for their role in making the vaccine rollout possible.

They pledged to work closely with immunization teams to ensure the vaccine reaches every eligible child in the county.

Partners at the event also commended the Ministry’s leadership. Jestina Tuazamah, speaking on behalf of both donors and implementing partners, reminded community members that the vaccine alone will not end malaria.

“This vaccine is a breakthrough, but please remember, sleeping under mosquito nets remains critical,” she said. “The vaccine will reduce malaria burdens, but prevention must continue.”

Message from the Ministry of Health

Representing the Minister of Health, Madam Louise Thomas Marpleh praised the county’s health leadership and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare.

“On behalf of Minister Louise Kpoto, I extend heartfelt appreciation to the Bomi County Health Team, local authorities, and all our partners,” she said. “The Minister holds a special recognition for the leadership of Dr. Brima-Davies, whose dedication is making a difference for the people of Bomi.”

Community Voices and Joy

Mothers who attended the launch expressed relief and gratitude, describing the vaccine as a lifesaver for their children.

“This gives us hope,” said one mother, whose child received the vaccine. “We know how malaria affects our babies. Now, with this vaccine, their future will be brighter.”

The event drew representatives from the Bomi County Civil Society Council, the disabled community, marketers, traditional leaders, and the religious community, underscoring the broad support for the vaccine rollout.

National Context

The malaria vaccine was first piloted in six southeastern counties in 2024, and Bomi now joins eight other counties in the second phase of the scale-up.

Health authorities say the expanded immunization drive represents a major step in reducing child mortality rates and is expected to significantly lower the incidence of malaria the leading cause of illness in Liberia.

With the initiative now launched, Liberia joins a growing number of African countries integrating the malaria vaccine into national immunization programs, strengthening the country’s fight against a disease that has plagued generations.