In a landmark moment for global health, Cameroon has become the first country to introduce a nationwide routine malaria vaccination program.
Witnessing the launch on Monday, AFP journalists documented the historic step, hailed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a crucial turning point in the fight against the deadly disease.
Malaria, a mosquito-borne parasite, claims over 600,000 lives annually, predominantly in Africa.
The World Health Organization reports that children under five bear the brunt of the disease, accounting for more than 80% of fatalities on the continent.
Cameroon’s program paves the way for wider application across Africa, following a successful pilot phase and WHO approval of the RTS,S vaccine.
At a hospital in Soa, near the capital Yaounde, six-month-old Noah Ngah received the first injection, symbolizing the nationwide rollout.
The program prioritizes 42 districts within Cameroon’s 28 million-strong population.
The government will offer the vaccine free of charge, systematically integrating it into routine immunization schedules for all children under six months, alongside other mandated and recommended vaccinations.
This initiative marks a “historic step towards broader vaccination against one of the deadliest diseases for African children,” declared the WHO, alongside UNICEF and the Gavi vaccine alliance in November.
The program signifies a significant advance in the global fight against malaria, offering a powerful tool alongside existing prevention measures like bed nets and insecticides.
Cameroon’s trailblazing vaccination program holds immense promise. It represents a critical step towards a future where African children are better protected from malaria’s devastating impact.
With careful implementation and continued research, this historic initiative could pave the way for a healthier future for millions across the continent.
