Medicosnext
Cameroon has initiated the world’s first routine vaccine program against malaria, a major step projected to save numerous children’s lives across Africa. Approximately 600,000 people succumb to malaria in Africa each year, with children under five constituting 80% of these fatalities. Cameroon is providing the RTS,S vaccine free of charge to infants up to six months old, requiring four doses alongside routine childhood vaccines. Pilot campaigns in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi yielded a 13% reduction in deaths among eligible children. While the vaccine exhibits a 36% efficacy rate, it complements other preventive measures like mosquito nets and malaria tablets, potentially offering 90% protection.
Developed by British drug-maker GSK after 30 years of research, the vaccine has gained approval from the World Health Organization. Despite concerns about vaccine hesitancy, health officials emphasize the safety, effectiveness, and free nature of the doses. The program is set to expand to 20 countries, with Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone among those aiming for rollout this year. A second jab, R21, developed by Oxford University, is anticipated to boost available doses, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. The launch marks a significant stride towards malaria prevention in a region accounting for 95% of global cases and 96% of related deaths in 2021.
Reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68037008
