Sherift Omoniyi: malaria vaccination champion in Nigeria

Kebbi State, Nigeria-34-year-old Sherifat Omoniyi, is a pharmacist with 9 years' experience and resident of Kebbi State, northwestern Nigeria. She is also a mother of two, including her 7-month-old son, Abdulrazaq.

Abdulrazaq is eligible for the new R21 malaria vaccine, which was introduced in Nigeria in 2024.
"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," says Sherifat on the day of the vaccination.

Bayelsa and Kebbi States in Nigeria were prioritized for the introduction of the R21 malaria vaccine in 2024.

The malaria vaccine is administered to children in four dose schedule: the first dose at 5 months old (and up to 21 months old if delayed); the second at 6 months old; the third at 7 months old; and a booster at least 6 months after the third dose (up to 23 months old or later if delayed).

"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," urges Omoniyi.

Omoniyi expresses gratitude to partners supporting health authorities with the rollout, including World Health Organization, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Almost 569 000 children aged 5-21 months have received the first dose of the malaria vaccine as of March 2026, preventing illness and saving lives.
"It is a great privilege and opportunity to reduce the spread of malaria," she says. "We really appreciate it. Thank you."