(Monrovia, Liberia, October 3, 2025)—The Ministry of Health has called on parents to take ownership of the country’s malaria vaccine campaign, stressing that its success hinges on families ensuring their children receive all four doses of the RTS,S/A01 vaccine.
Speaking at the national launch of the vaccine in nine additional counties, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, said Liberia has made progress in the fight against malaria but warned that complacency could undermine the gains.
“We have observed a high prevalence of malaria in several counties over the past years. From this, we have learned lessons,” she said. “The key question is: what must we do better to ensure children receive the vaccine?
Parents must commit to completing the full schedule.”
The RTS,S/A01 vaccine is administered to children between five (5) and fifteen (15) months of age and requires four doses for maximum protection. Evidence from pilot countries, including Ghana, shows that the vaccine significantly reduces severe malaria cases and hospitalizations.
Dr. Cooper described the rollout as one of Liberia’s most ambitious health interventions in recent years, targeting 180,000 children across Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Bomi, Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Gbarpolu. With this expansion, 15 counties are now administering the vaccine.
She highlighted the government’s integrated approach, combining immunization with bed net distribution, case management at health facilities, and preventive care for pregnant women and children. Nearly two million mosquito nets were distributed nationwide last year.
“Vaccination, when combined with these strategies, will further reduce malaria cases,” she said. “Our goal is to give Liberia a healthier generation to take the country forward.”
The Chief Medical Officer also appealed directly to health workers to reassure parents about minor side effects such as fever or soreness at the injection site. “You are the ones who meet parents daily,” she told them. “Encourage them to bring their children and carefully monitor any side effects.”
She further stressed the need to counter misinformation, noting that in the first phase of the rollout, some parents withheld children due to fear or confusion. “This time, we are ensuring that parents receive the correct information and fully understand the benefits for their children and families,” she said.
Friday’s ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center featured goodwill messages, traditional performances, and the symbolic vaccination of children under two years of age, the group most vulnerable to severe malaria complications.
Serving as chief launcher, Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah M. Varpilah hailed the vaccine as “a historic step to save the lives of children across the country.”
She urged parents, health workers, and the government to work hand-in-hand.
“Every eligible child must be reached, and every mother supported to complete the full schedule. To support this process, the Legislature is working on establishing an Immunization Caucus.”
International and local partners, including WHO, UNICEF, Africa CDC, Last Mile Health, Jhpiego, Catholic Relief Services, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Liberia’s malaria response.