It is the first time in the world that a child vaccination campaign against malaria has been launched. Cameroon, where the incidence of the disease has increased by more than 30% since 2017, became the first country to begin mass vaccination of boys and girlsalthough in 2024 another twenty African countries and India will follow suit, where the incidence is also beginning to be worrying.
The two vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are used: the RTS,S/AS01 and the R21/Matrix-M in the 42 Cameroonian populations at highest risk of developing the disease. They are vaccinated as part of the children's vaccination schedule with three doses from the age of five months and a fourth dose in the second year of life. These vaccines explained Kate O'Brien, Director of the Division of Immunization, Vaccines and Biological Products at the WHO, Prevent about 75% of malaria cases after a “successful pilot program.” in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi between 2019 and 2023.
The first baby to receive the malaria vaccine in Cameroon is called Daniella and her mother Hélène, 32 years old and mother of six, says she decided to get the vaccine because she saw how dangerous malaria can be. “I am committed to ensuring that my children receive all four doses of the vaccine and will take other measures such as ensuring they sleep under a mosquito net,” he added.
The WHO speaks of a “historic milestone”
According to WHO, Half of the world's population is at risk of contracting malaria. And considering the 250 million cases of malaria diagnosed each year, a childhood vaccine (of this effectiveness) can lead to a significant reduction in illness or death from malaria.
In Africa, malaria claims the lives of half a million children every year.