Cameroon Launches World’s First Malaria Vaccine Program

In a groundbreaking move to combat malaria, Cameroon has become the first country to roll out a large-scale malaria vaccine program for children.

The initiative, which began on January 22, 2024, aims to vaccinate 250,000 children this year and next year, with the hope of immunizing more than 6 million children across 20 African countries by 2025.

The vaccine, known as Mosquirix, was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and is the first of its kind to be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022.

It is 30% effective, requires four doses, and provides protection for several months. Despite its limitations, experts believe the vaccine will significantly reduce severe infections and hospitalizations, saving countless lives in the process.

Cameroon’s program is being supported by the Gavi vaccines alliance, which is working to secure the shots for the country.

The organization’s chief program officer, Aurelia Nguyen, described the vaccination as a milestone in the decades-long effort to curb the mosquito-spread disease on the continent.

In addition to Mosquirix, a second malaria vaccine developed by Oxford University and approved by WHO in October 2023 is also being considered for use.

This vaccine is cheaper, requires three doses, and has the potential to be produced in larger quantities by India’s Serum Institute.

While the vaccines do not stop transmission, other tools such as bed nets and insecticidal spraying will still be necessary to combat the disease.

Malaria, which is caused by a parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes, can lead to symptoms including fever, headaches, and chills.

The launch of the world’s first malaria vaccine program in Cameroon marks a significant step forward in the fight against the disease, and it is hoped that it will pave the way for further success in other African countries.