Malaria continues to be a persistent threat, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people annually, particularly children, in Africa. In a groundbreaking move to address this deadly mosquito-borne disease, Cameroon has taken the world’s first step towards a nationwide vaccination campaign.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for approximately 95% of global malaria cases and 96% of deaths. Children under the age of five bear the brunt of the disease, with an estimated 263,000 lives lost in 2020 alone.
Cameroon, with its high malaria burden, was identified as a prime candidate for the expanded rollout of the RTS,S malaria vaccine. This vaccine, recommended by the WHO, is being integrated into the country’s routine childhood immunization schedule. The RTS,S vaccine is administered in a 4-dose schedule to children living in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission.
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The recommended age for starting the series is 5 months old, with subsequent doses given at monthly intervals until the child reaches 9 months of age. A booster dose is then recommended at 2 years of age. This systematic approach aims to ensure wider and sustained coverage of the vaccine among young children.
At a press briefing, Mohammed Abdulaziz, the head of Disease Control at the Africa Centre for Disease Controls, emphasized that the vaccination campaign is a life-saving intervention and a beacon of hope in the collective effort to combat the devastating impact of malaria. With malaria-related consultations accounting for 30% of healthcare visits in Cameroon, the vaccine is expected to alleviate the burden on the health system, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and deaths.
Cameroon’s vaccination campaign has received support from various organizations, including the WHO, UNICEF, and the Vaccine Alliance Gavi. These international partners recognize the significance of this historic step towards broader vaccination against one of the deadliest diseases for African children. Aurelia Nguyen, chief program officer at Gavi, highlighted that the first rollout will introduce the RTS,S vaccine in 42 districts across the country.
The nationwide rollout of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in Cameroon is a carefully planned and coordinated effort. The vaccine will be offered free of charge and administered alongside other essential vaccinations to all children under six months old. This approach ensures that young children receive comprehensive protection against multiple diseases.
The vaccination program is being implemented in designated priority districts throughout the country. These districts have been identified based on the prevalence of malaria and the need for immediate intervention. The government aims to systematically cover all eligible children, ensuring equitable access to the vaccine across the entire population.
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Before the nationwide rollout in Cameroon, pilot phases were conducted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. These pilot programs provided valuable insights into the efficacy and impact of the RTS,S vaccine. More than two million children were vaccinated during these phases, resulting in significant reductions in severe malaria illness and hospitalizations.
The introduction of the RTS,S vaccine in Cameroon marks a significant milestone in the global fight against malaria. By integrating the vaccine into routine immunization schedules, countries can strengthen their malaria control efforts and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone are among the countries set to follow Cameroon’s lead with large-scale vaccination programs.
While the RTS,S vaccine is not a “silver bullet” and does not provide 100% efficacy, it has proven to be a life-saving intervention. Willis Akhwale, special adviser at End Malaria Council Kenya, emphasized that even at 40% efficacy, the vaccine saves lives, particularly among children aged two years and older who are more prone to severe malaria.
