Last year, 2023, some of you might have heard about Cameroon receiving 331,200 doses of the malaria vaccine RTS,S (Mosquirix) [1]. As I write this now, I cannot believe that the malaria vaccine is a reality and not just a dream. Thanks to 30 years of research, clinical trials, follow-ups, and extension studies [1], we now have a vaccine for malaria. How exciting!
The Ministry of Public Health in Cameroon starts the New Year with health activities such as introducing the malaria vaccine RTS,S [1]. The vaccine will be introduced on January 22, 2024 [1]. Unfortunately, the vaccine will not be available in all the health districts. For now, priority goes to 42 out of 203 health districts in areas with the highest transmission and mortality rates in all 10 regions [1]. The malaria vaccine is for children and requires a completion of four doses for protection. One at 6 months, one at 7 months, one at 9 months, and one at 24 months [1]. For the first phase, children aged 6 months shall receive the vaccine.
Some of you might be wondering why there is a need for the vaccine in Cameroon when there are other preventive measures that have been in place to fight malaria. For a start, Cameroon is one of 11 countries that alone bears almost 70% of the burden of malaria [1]. Malaria is a severe disease, which we all know, and sadly, the leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age. Furthermore, out of every 100 hospital consultations, 30 people suffer from malaria [1]. Based on the results of the pilot study done in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi from 2019 to 2023, combining the vaccine with other preventive measures has shown to be effective [1]. The study results showed a 13% decrease in mortality among vaccine-eligible children, severe malaria, and hospital admissions [1]. Therefore, based on these results, the World Health Organization recommends RTS,S vaccine for malaria prevention [1].
With such an opportunity to save and change a life, why would you not have wanted Cameroon to get this vaccine? The Ministry of Public Health remains committed to keeping the population healthy and not just to treat. Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. As of December 29th, 2023, the RTS,S malaria vaccine was integrated into the routine immunization program [1]. So, parents or guardians, if you are based in any of the involved priority health districts, ensure to have your 6-month-old children vaccinated and eventually complete all doses as recommended.
For complete protection against malaria, have your children sleep under treated mosquito nets every night, chemoprevention, and be vaccinated.
Remember that the fight against malaria starts with me and you.
References
1. Minsante Cameroon (2023). Key Messages for Malaria Vaccine Introduction Poster. PEV/EPI Cameroon
2. Image Credit: Minsante Cameroon (2023)
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