Cameroon has become the first nation to embark on a routine malaria vaccine initiative, marking a pivotal moment in the worldwide fight against the deadly disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has given the green light to the use of the RTS,S vaccine, developed by British pharmaceutical company GSK, as part of a strategic effort to save countless children’s lives, particularly across Africa. This historic vaccination drive is set to commence in 42 of Cameroon’s most severely affected districts, starting this Monday.
The introduction of doses through a routine immunization program in Cameroon follows successful pilot campaigns in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi. Health officials and global health organizations are describing this move as a milestone in the ongoing battle against malaria in Africa.
The RTS,S malaria vaccine, administered in four doses, has an efficacy rate of approximately 30%, and its protective effects tend to diminish after several months. Despite this, the vaccine is a crucial development in malaria prevention, representing a significant step toward reducing the burden of the disease in regions heavily affected.
British pharmaceutical giant GSK, the developer of RTS,S, has noted its capacity to produce around 15 million doses of the vaccine annually. This production capacity is vital as the vaccine’s introduction in Cameroon is expected to set the stage for 20 other countries to initiate similar programs later this year, as per information provided by Gavi, the global vaccine alliance.
While the vaccine’s effectiveness is not absolute, health experts emphasize that even a partially effective malaria vaccine can make a substantial impact in regions where the disease is endemic.
