Over 331,000 Malaria Vaccinations Commencing in Cameroon

Initially announced in 2023, the Republic of Cameroon intends to launch a malaria vaccine campaign in late January 2024. Cameroon took delivery of 331,200 doses of malaria vaccine in November last year.

According to Manaouda Malachie, Cameroon's minister of public health, this vaccination effort is part of an Africa-wide effort to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the mosquito-transmitted disease. 

Malaria is responsible for about 70% of deaths among children in Cameroon, which has a life expectancy at birth of about 57 years.

"The selected vaccine, Mosquirix™, has been chosen by the country based on its pre-qualification, ensuring guaranteed quality, efficacy, and safety for its inclusion in the vaccination programs," as reported by CamarronOnline.org on January 10, 2024.

Malaria vaccines have been approved for use in Africa and are reported to be effective at preventing disease.

Since 2021, the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency have recommended the Mosquirix (RTS,S/AS01) malaria vaccine.

In late 2023, the R21 / Matrix-M™ vaccine was WHO-approved for use in certain countries.

As of January 10, 2024, the U.S. FDA had not approved a malaria vaccine.