Cameroon Launches World’s First Malaria Vaccine Program to Save Children’s Lives
Cameroon marked a significant step in the global fight against malaria on January 22 by launching the world’s inaugural routine vaccine program for the mosquito-borne disease.
The RTS,S vaccine, developed by British drugmaker GSK and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to save tens of thousands of children’s lives annually in Africa. After successful trials in Ghana and Kenya, Cameroon becomes the first country to administer doses through a routine immunization program.
Nineteen other nations plan to implement this program in 2023. Approximately 6.6 million children across these countries are targeted for malaria vaccination by 2024-25.
The initiative responds to the challenges posed by disruptions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising insecticide resistance, with malaria cases increasing by around 5 million in 2022. While some express skepticism, health experts emphasize ongoing community outreach to combat vaccine hesitancy and stress the importance of utilizing established preventive measures alongside vaccination.
