Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study. 5
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 7
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 8
1.4 Research Questions. 9
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 9
1.6 Significance of the Study. 10
1.7 Scope of the Study. 11
1.8 Limitations of the Study. 11
1.9 Organization of the Study. 11
1.10 Definition of Terms. 12
CHAPTER TWO.. 15
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 15
2.0 Introduction.. 15
2.2 Theoretical Framework.. 16
2.2.1 Health Belief Model (HBM). 16
2.2.2 Diffusion of Innovations Theory. 16
2.2.3 Social Ecological Model (SEM). 17
2.2.4 Health Systems Theory. 17
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 18
Prospects of the RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine. 18
Challenges in Implementing the RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine. 19
Policy and Governance. 21
Research and Development. 21
2.4 Empirical Review.. 21
2.5 Summary of Chapter. 24
Chapter Three. 25
Research Methodology. 25
3.1 Introduction.. 25
3.2 Research Design.. 26
3.3 Study Area.. 26
3.4 Population and Sample. 27
3.5 Data Collection Methods. 27
3.6 Data Analysis Techniques. 28
3.7 Ethical Considerations. 28
3.8 Limitations of the Study. 28
3.9 Summary. 29
CHAPTER FOUR.. 30
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 30
4.1 Preamble. 30
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 30
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 36
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 36
Discussion of Findings. 52
CHAPTER FIVE.. 55
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.. 55
5.1 Summary of Findings. 55
5.2 Conclusion.. 58
5.3 Recommendations. 59
References. 61
Research Questionnaire: Prospects and Challenges of Malaria Parasite Vaccine in Nigeria 65
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.1 Background to the Study
Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges in Nigeria, accounting for a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five and pregnant women. Despite ongoing efforts to control the disease through vector control measures and antimalarial treatments, malaria continues to persist due to factors such as drug resistance, mosquito resistance to insecticides, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. In this context, the development and deployment of an effective malaria parasite vaccine could represent a pivotal advancement in the fight against malaria in Nigeria (World Health Organization, 2020).
The potential of malaria vaccines, particularly the RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix), has generated significant optimism. This vaccine, which targets the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, has shown promising results in reducing the incidence of clinical malaria and severe malaria among young children. Clinical trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, have demonstrated that RTS,S/AS01 can reduce malaria cases by up to 39% and severe malaria by 29% in children aged 5-17 months over a four-year period (RTS,S Clinical Trials Partnership, 2015). The integration of this vaccine into Nigeria's malaria control strategy could potentially alleviate the heavy malaria burden and contribute to achieving national and global health targets.
However, the implementation of the malaria vaccine in Nigeria faces numerous challenges. Key among these is the logistical difficulty of vaccine distribution and administration in a country with vast and diverse geographical areas, some of which are remote and underserved. Additionally, the vaccine's efficacy, although significant, is not absolute, and there are concerns regarding the durability of the protection it offers. The need for multiple doses to achieve optimal efficacy further complicates the vaccination schedule and adherence (Agnandji et al., 2012). Financial constraints also pose a significant barrier, as sustained funding is required for vaccine procurement, distribution, and public health campaigns to ensure high coverage and acceptance.
Moreover, socio-cultural factors, including vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, can impede the successful rollout of the malaria vaccine in Nigeria. Public health education and community engagement are critical to overcoming these barriers and ensuring that the population understands the benefits and limitations of the vaccine. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, involving government commitment, international support, and collaboration with local communities and health workers (Dube et al., 2013). With a strategic and well-coordinated effort, the prospects of the malaria parasite vaccine could be realized, significantly reducing the malaria burden in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite substantial global efforts to control and eliminate malaria, the disease remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates, especially among children under five and pregnant women. The introduction of the malaria parasite vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, offers a promising solution to reduce the malaria burden in Nigeria. However, the implementation of this vaccine faces numerous challenges, including logistical issues related to vaccine distribution in remote and underserved areas, the need for multiple doses to achieve optimal efficacy, and the limited duration of protection provided by the vaccine (Agnandji et al., 2012; RTS,S Clinical Trials Partnership, 2015). Additionally, financial constraints and the necessity for sustained funding to ensure widespread vaccination coverage further complicate the effective deployment of the vaccine in Nigeria (World Health Organization, 2020).
Moreover, socio-cultural factors such as vaccine hesitancy and misinformation pose significant barriers to the successful rollout of the malaria vaccine in Nigeria. Public health education and community engagement are critical to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring that the population understands the benefits and limitations of the vaccine. Without addressing these challenges, the full potential of the malaria vaccine to significantly reduce the malaria burden in Nigeria may not be realized. Therefore, it is imperative to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that encompass logistical planning, financial investment, and community-based interventions to overcome these barriers and enhance the prospects of the malaria parasite vaccine in Nigeria (Dube et al., 2013; Olotu et al., 2016).
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Prospect and challenges of malaria parasite vaccine in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To Assess Malaria Vaccine Efficacy and Durability in Nigeria
- To Evaluate Logistical and Operational Challenges of Malaria Vaccine administration in Nigeria
- To Evaluate the prospects of Malaria vaccine administration in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What is the efficacy of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in reducing the incidence of clinical malaria in Nigeria?
- What are the logistical challenges associated with the distribution and administration of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in remote and underserved areas of Nigeria?
- What are the prospects of malaria vaccine administration in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine does not significantly reduce the incidence of clinical malaria in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the health sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Abuja. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
1. RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine: A vaccine developed to protect against Plasmodium falciparum malaria, primarily targeting children in malaria-endemic regions like Nigeria. It is designed to stimulate an immune response against the malaria parasite.
2. Vaccine Efficacy: The ability of a vaccine, such as RTS,S/AS01, to prevent or reduce the severity of malaria infections in vaccinated individuals under controlled conditions.
3. Vaccine Durability: Refers to how long the protective effects of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine persist in vaccinated individuals, including the duration of immunity against malaria.
4. Logistical Challenges: Difficulties related to the distribution, storage, and administration of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, particularly in remote and underserved areas of Nigeria.
5. Socio-cultural Factors: Social and cultural influences that affect vaccine acceptance and utilization among Nigerian communities, including beliefs, attitudes, and practices related to healthcare and vaccination.
6. Economic Constraints: Financial barriers that hinder the affordability, accessibility, and sustainability of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine deployment in Nigeria, impacting both individuals and healthcare systems.
7. Vaccine Hesitancy: The reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines, influenced by factors such as safety concerns, misinformation, or lack of confidence in vaccine effectiveness. In the context of Nigeria, vaccine hesitancy can affect the uptake of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine and hinder malaria control efforts.
