On January 22, 2024, Cameroon took a major step in the fight against malaria by introducing the vaccine against this disease into its routine vaccination schedule. A year later, the results are promising, particularly for Ndzie Daniela and Ngah Daniel, the first children vaccinated. Their mother, Hélène Akono, rejoices: “Since their birth, they have never had malaria and are in perfect health. »
The vaccine is administered in four doses in 42 health districts heavily affected by the disease. According to data from the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), approximately 366,000 doses have been administered to infants by the end of 2024.
However, initial vaccination coverage was lower than expected. To remedy this, the government implemented catch-up campaigns in September and December, which made it possible to increase coverage of the third dose from 25% in April to 48% at the end of the year. Coverage for the first dose reached 65%. “These efforts must continue to ensure optimal protection of children,” underlines Dr Njoh Andreas Ateke, from the EPI.
Decrease of 66,888 cases
The impact of this vaccination is starting to be felt. A significant decline in the number of malaria cases among children under five years of age was observed in the districts covered. In 2024, 266,917 cases were recorded, compared to 333,805 in 2023, a decrease of 66,888 cases. “Before the vaccine, we were faced with many serious cases. Today, the situation is improving, but efforts are necessary to reach uncovered areas,” says Rugayatou Sali, nurse in the pediatric department of Soa hospital.
To reinforce the effectiveness of the vaccine, preventive measures such as the use of impregnated mosquito nets and anti-larval control are maintained. Hélène Akono confirms: “We continue to sleep under mosquito nets and keep a clean environment. »
-Reduce the number of deaths caused by malaria by 90% within 5 years
Cameroon is part of a regional dynamic, alongside 12 other African countries having adopted the vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, through the AMVIRA initiative, have mobilized resources to support this introduction. More than 12 million doses have been administered in Africa in 2024.
The short-term objective is to intensify vaccination in the committed countries and to introduce it in eight others. “We are aiming for a 90% reduction in malaria incidence and mortality by 2030,” says WHO official Dr Charles Shey.
Past experiences in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, where the vaccine reduced infant mortality by 13%, reinforce hopes of a major breakthrough in the fight against malaria in Cameroon.
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