Cameroon has welcomed a significant advancement in its fight against malaria with the arrival of 331,200 doses of the Mosquirix malaria vaccine. The vaccines, received at the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachi, mark a crucial development in the nation’s efforts to combat this prevalent disease.
The upcoming vaccination programme, set to commence shortly, will initially focus on children aged 6 to 24 months. In order to ensure complete protection against malaria, these young recipients will receive a four-dose regimen at six, seven, nine, and 24 months of age.
Importantly, the vaccination initiative will be entirely cost-free for all children falling within the targeted age group. This decision reflects a recognition of the heightened vulnerability of children to severe forms of malaria and associated complications.
Cameroon’s access to the Mosquirix vaccine is a direct outcome of extensive research, culminating in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) approval for its widespread application. The vaccine, also known as RTS,S/AS01, stands as the WHO’s first endorsement for malaria prevention in children.
In a statement online, Dr. Manaouda expressed, “I received 331,200 doses of the malaria vaccine. Cameroon thus becomes the pioneer in this area. A historic moment facilitated by our partners to boost the fight against this disease responsible for 70% of deaths among children.”
As the vaccination programme unfolds, the focus shifts to ensuring all eligible children complete the full series of doses. This concerted effort positions Cameroon to take a significant leap in controlling malaria and shielding its children from this preventable illness.
However, concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine have arisen in light of a controversial story circulating on social media about a child allegedly going blind after receiving a vaccine. These concerns underscore the critical importance of rigorous monitoring and communication to address any potential apprehensions within the community.
