2023-11-22 18:09:57
Cameroon Becomes First African Country to Receive Mosquirix Malaria Vaccine
In a historic development, Cameroon has become the first African country to receive the Mosquirix malaria vaccine. Over 331,000 doses of the groundbreaking vaccine arrived at Yaoundé’s airport on Tuesday evening, marking a significant step forward in the fight against one of the continent’s deadliest diseases.
The first vaccinations using Mosquirix are set to be administered at the end of December or early next year. The vaccine, which was tested on children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi for four years, has shown positive results, leading to its approval by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use worldwide in 2021.
Despite offering about 30 percent protection, the vaccine requires four doses before it becomes effective. Additionally, its protective effects decrease after a few months. However, scientists remain optimistic about its potential impact.
According to research, around 620,000 people die from malaria annually, with 96 percent of these deaths occurring in Africa. The most vulnerable demographic is children under the age of five. In areas where Mosquirix was tested, infant mortality decreased by approximately 13 percent.
It is worth noting that a second vaccine, which offers slightly better protection and is more cost-effective to produce, was approved by the WHO last year. This vaccine is expected to be available by the middle of next year, further bolstering the global effort to combat and eradicate malaria.
The arrival of the Mosquirix vaccine in Cameroon represents a significant milestone in the fight against malaria, offering hope for a brighter future for the continent and beyond.]
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