A pivotal moment in the fight against malaria arrived today January 22nd, 2024, as Cameroon becomes the first country to introduce the RTS,S malaria vaccine into its routine immunisation programme. This marks a significant step forward in the battle against a disease that claims the lives of nearly half a million children under five in Africa each year.
The Burden of Malaria:
Malaria remains a devastating public health issue, particularly in Africa, where it accounts for approximately 95% of global cases and 96% of deaths. While concerted efforts have led to a one-third reduction in deaths since 2000, new tools like the RTS,S vaccine offer hope for further progress.
Cameroon Takes the Lead:
With a rising malaria burden in recent years, Cameroon is at the forefront of vaccine introduction. More than 331,000 doses have arrived in the country, paving the way for the initial rollout across 42 health districts. These districts have been strategically chosen to reach the most vulnerable children with the highest transmission and mortality rates.
Celebrating the achievement, Cameroon’s Minister of Public Health Dr Manaouda Malachie took to X to express his joy.
“This is historic for our continent! Cameroon has done it: the Malaria vaccine was officially launched today in Yaoundé, after a 3-year pilot phase in 3 African countries. This additional means of combating this disease will prevent more than 2,000 deaths per year,” he wrote.
Reaching Half a Million Children:
Cameroon’s ambitious goal is to immunize half a million children with the malaria vaccine over the next two years. This will require meticulous planning, including training healthcare workers, establishing infrastructure, and engaging communities to ensure demand and acceptance.
A Stepping Stone:
The vaccine introduction in Cameroon builds upon the learnings from the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP) that ran from 2019 to 2023 in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi. These pilot programs demonstrated the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, particularly when used alongside existing malaria control measures.
Beyond Cameroon:
Cameroon is just the first among 20 African countries aiming to introduce the vaccine in 2024, reaching approximately 6.6 million children by 2025. Ultimately, over 30 African nations have expressed interest in the vaccine, highlighting the immense potential for widespread protection against this deadly disease.
A Beacon of Hope:
The launch of routine malaria vaccinations in Cameroon marks a momentous occasion in the global fight against this ancient killer. While challenges remain, this innovative tool offers a glimmer of hope for a future where millions of children are spared the devastating consequences of malaria.
Key Resources:
- Gavi’s malaria vaccine page: https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/everything-you-need-know-about-malaria-vaccine
- First malaria vaccine shipments + FAQ: https://www.gavi.org/news/media-room/shipments-african-countries-broad-vaccination-against-malaria
- First malaria vaccine allocations: https://www.gavi.org/news/media-room/18-million-doses-first-ever-malaria-vaccine-allocated-12-african-countries-2023
This historic day marks a turning point in the fight against malaria. As Cameroon embarks on this groundbreaking initiative, eyes across the globe will be watching, hoping that this new weapon in the arsenal paves the way for a future free from the devastating grip of this preventable disease.
