In January 2024, Cameroon took a monumental step in its fight against malaria with the introduction of a malaria vaccine, and the results have been promising. Ndzie Daniela and Ngah Daniel, twins, were the first children to receive the vaccine when it was launched in the country. Their mother, Hélène Akono, proudly shares how well they are doing, “My children are in excellent health. Since birth, they have never had malaria. Better still, I’d say they’ve never fallen sick,” she says with a smile. She acknowledges a few teething issues but notes they’ve been minor and not a cause for concern.
As part of its routine immunization program, Cameroon incorporated the malaria vaccine in 42 high-malaria-burden districts across the country. The vaccine is administered in a four-dose regimen, and by the end of 2024, approximately 366,000 doses had been given to infants. This new approach is part of the country’s larger strategy to reduce malaria-related deaths and hospitalizations among its children.
Despite this positive trajectory, early monitoring showed that immunization coverage was below expectations. In response, Cameroon quickly adapted, launching catch-up campaigns in September and December 2024 to reach as many children as possible. These efforts paid off significantly, with the number of children who had received three doses increasing from 25% in April to 48% by December. The first dose coverage also rose to 65% by the end of the year, indicating that the public response to the vaccine was steadily improving.
Dr. Njoh Andreas Ateke, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), lauded the progress, highlighting that the catch-up campaigns were key to achieving these gains. “The improved coverage, particularly for the third dose, demonstrates the success of our catch-up campaign, along with other interventions,” he remarked. Dr. Ateke emphasized the importance of continuing to enhance immunization coverage for the health of future generations, underscoring that efforts to integrate malaria immunization into broader health campaigns are crucial to maximizing impact.
One year after the vaccine’s introduction, early data from participating health districts indicate a notable reduction in malaria cases. In 2024, 42 districts that rolled out the malaria vaccine reported 266,917 malaria cases among children under five, a significant drop from 333,805 cases in 2023, marking a reduction of nearly 67,000 cases. Health professionals like Rugayatou Sali, a senior nurse at Soa District Hospital, have observed a positive shift in patient outcomes. “Before the vaccine, severe anaemia caused by malaria was a constant concern. But throughout 2024, the situation has improved significantly,” Sali noted. However, challenges remain, particularly in areas where the vaccine has not yet been introduced or where children have not yet received all four doses.
The government is taking a multi-pronged approach to reduce malaria’s impact. In addition to vaccination, efforts such as larval control, preventive treatments, and the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets are playing a key role in the fight against the disease. Hélène Akono, whose twins are thriving thanks to the vaccine, has noticed the benefits firsthand. “I haven’t had a malaria case in my house for several months now. It’s been such a relief,” she says. “The vaccine is great, but we also sleep under an insecticide-treated net and keep our environment clean.”
Cameroon is just one of 13 African countries that introduced the malaria vaccine in 2024, as part of a broader initiative to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality. With support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, millions of doses have been administered across the continent, contributing to a reduction in both malaria cases and related deaths.
The WHO’s Accelerated Malaria Vaccine Introduction and Rollout in Africa (AMVIRA) initiative has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts. Through AMVIRA, the WHO has not only provided essential resources but has also helped strengthen the health systems in participating countries. In 2024 alone, over 18 million doses of the malaria vaccine were administered across the African region.
Looking ahead, the WHO is aiming to scale up malaria immunization in these 13 countries and extend coverage to eight new priority nations. With a goal to reduce malaria incidence and mortality by 90% by 2030, the WHO is optimistic that the malaria vaccine, combined with other preventative measures, will play a significant role in achieving this ambitious target.
In the pilot program that preceded the vaccine roll-out in Cameroon, countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi saw remarkable improvements. Over two million children were vaccinated, leading to a 13% reduction in all-cause infant mortality and a 30% drop in severe malaria cases and hospitalizations. These successes have laid a strong foundation for the ongoing efforts in Cameroon and beyond.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Cameroon marks a hopeful turning point in the country’s battle against one of its most persistent health challenges. With continued efforts and the support of the global health community, it is clear that the future of child health in Cameroon is looking brighter.
