A year ago, Cameroon launched a historic malaria vaccination campaign, becoming one of the first countries to introduce the world’s first malaria vaccine into its routine immunization program. The campaign has reached nearly 140,000 children across the country, with early data showing promising signs of success.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Cameroon marked a significant step in the global fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases. The vaccine, RTS,S, is administered in four doses, starting at six months of age. By the end of 2024, nearly 63% of children in Cameroon had received the first dose, with coverage rates for the second and third doses at 50% and 46%, respectively. The vaccine has been particularly crucial in malaria-endemic regions, where the disease remains a leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths.
In the first year of the vaccine’s introduction, early indicators suggest positive results. The country saw a 13% reduction in all-cause consultations for children under five, and in areas that were prioritized for the vaccine rollout, the reduction was even higher, at 17%. Additionally, there was a 13% decrease in the number of deaths among children under five in 2024 compared to the previous year. While experts caution that it’s too early to definitively attribute these improvements to the vaccine, the early signs are encouraging.
The vaccine rollout has been focused on the hardest-hit areas, with 42 out of the country’s 206 health districts prioritized in the first phase. The goal is to vaccinate half a million children in 2024 and 2025, with coverage continuing to expand as more districts are included in the campaign. The vaccine is expected to be administered alongside other routine vaccines, further integrating it into the country’s established immunization program.
At health facilities, such as the Soa District Hospital near Yaoundé, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The hospital has seen a significant reduction in malaria-related hospitalizations, with fewer children presenting with the disease. Health workers have reported numerous testimonies from parents whose children have not contracted malaria since receiving the vaccine. In some cases, children who received the vaccine have remained malaria-free, while those who did not have suffered from the disease.
In the northern regions of Cameroon, where malaria transmission follows seasonal patterns, parents have expressed relief at the availability of the vaccine. For many families, malaria has been a significant financial burden, with treatment costs often reaching substantial amounts. The vaccine has been welcomed as a timely intervention, providing hope that future generations may be spared from the ravages of the disease.
Despite the promising results, health officials remain cautious, emphasizing that the full impact of the vaccine will take time to assess. Studies conducted in other African countries where the vaccine was piloted have shown a reduction in hospitalizations for severe malaria and a decrease in overall mortality rates. However, it will take several years of data to fully understand the long-term impact on malaria-related deaths and hospitalizations in Cameroon.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Cameroon is seen as an important step in the fight against malaria, especially in regions with high disease burdens. The vaccine, along with other malaria control measures such as insecticide-treated nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention, is expected to play a crucial role in reducing malaria transmission and improving public health outcomes in the country. As the vaccine rollout continues, it is hoped that more children will be protected from malaria, ultimately contributing to the global effort to eliminate the disease.
