In a groundbreaking move, Cameroon has launched the world’s first major malaria vaccine program for children, marking a significant step in the global fight against the disease, particularly in Africa where approximately 95 per cent of malaria-related deaths occur.
The campaign, which kicked off on Monday, introduces the RTS.S vaccine, developed by a British pharmaceutical company. Recognizing Africa’s disproportionate malaria burden, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 600,000 people succumb to the disease annually, with a majority being young children.
Cameroon leads the way as the first country to implement routine vaccination following successful trials in Ghana and Kenya. The initiative aims to vaccinate approximately 250,000 children this year and next, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of global health organizations.
Gavi, the international vaccine alliance, has revealed that 19 other countries plan to launch similar campaigns in 2024. These initiatives are set to provide malaria vaccinations to about 6.6 million children between 2024 and 2025.
The vaccine works in conjunction with existing preventive measures, such as bed nets, to combat the disease. While the GSK-produced vaccine is about 30 per cent effective and requires four doses, its approval two years ago marked a significant milestone. Although acknowledging its imperfections, health officials emphasized its potential to significantly reduce severe infections and hospitalizations.
While the vaccine is a crucial development, a second malaria vaccine developed by Oxford University and approved by the WHO in October, has also gained attention. Considered more cost-effective and requiring only three doses, the vaccine offers a promising alternative. The launch of this second vaccine is expected to address the growing demand for malaria vaccines, potentially saving tens of thousands of lives, particularly in Africa.
Experts have raised concerns about the long-term effectiveness of these vaccines and whether resources should be diverted from established prevention methods. However, health officials reassured the public that the vaccine rollout includes community-focused efforts. These efforts involve educating individuals on vaccine safety and urging them to continue using existing protective methods alongside the new vaccines.
The global health community sees the introduction of these vaccines as a significant stride towards reducing malaria-related mortality and achieving a broader impact across the globe.
