Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that can also be transmitted to humans.
For years, the terrible disease malaria has been claiming the lives of children around the world every day.
But there's also good news. A vaccine has been approved to prevent infectious diseases and could save lives.
In countries where malaria is endemic, children will soon receive routine vaccines (recommended based on age and vulnerability).
Cameroon was the first country to start routine immunization for children.
What is malaria?
According to the World Health Organization, malaria occurs primarily in tropical countries, especially Africa.
The disease is spread by mosquitoes infected with the parasite that transmits the disease.
It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and chills.
Without treatment, it can be fatal.
According to UNICEF, “almost every minute, a child under the age of five dies from malaria.”
According to UNICEF, there will be 249 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2022, resulting in a total of 608,000 deaths. Of the deaths, 76% were children under the age of five.
How will the new vaccination program be rolled out?
Cameroon aims to vaccinate around 250,000 children over the next two years.
The campaign started on January 22nd.
Approximately 6.6 million children in Cameroon and 19 other African countries are targeted for malaria vaccination in 2024-2025.
“Vaccination will save lives,” said Aurelia Nguyen, chief program officer of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, which is supporting Cameroon's vaccination efforts.
New vaccine is only about 30% effective
The World Health Organization approved this vaccine two years ago. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and sold under the name Mosquirix.
However, it's far from perfect.
According to 2015 clinical trials, the vaccine is only about 30% effective.
Four shots are required, but the vaccine's effectiveness begins to wear off after a few months.
More doses mean more clinic visits, which can be especially difficult in African countries where many people live in rural areas.
The Mosquirix vaccine requires four doses and is only 30% effective. (Image provided by Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images)
Another vaccine developed at the University of Oxford in the UK was approved by the World Health Organization in October.
Studies have shown that its effectiveness is more than 75%, and with boosters the protective effect can last at least a year.
It is also inexpensive and only requires three doses.
Nguyen said the vaccine could be released in May or June.
Vaccines are not a perfect solution, so people living in countries where malaria is common are encouraged to continue using bed nets and insecticides.
Have more questions? Tell us what we're up to? Please use the “Send Feedback” link below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️