The National Malaria Control Programme (PNLP) reports that parents in Cameroon are showing increasing acceptance of the malaria vaccine. Over 15,000 children have been vaccinated to date, according to Marcellin Joël Ateba, the permanent secretary of the PNLP. He indicated that the country is considering procuring additional vaccine stocks to expand coverage nationwide.

Cameroon initiated systematic vaccination for infants under six months earlier this year, but only 42 of over 200 districts have been covered so far. The country received 331,200 doses of the RTS,S vaccine, the first malaria vaccine licensed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), last November.

The question remains whether Cameroon can secure additional doses in the coming months to enhance its immunization coverage. The Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), an international organization advocating for vaccine access for disadvantaged children, supports large-scale malaria vaccination campaigns in Africa. The supply of malaria vaccines is set to increase, with WHO experts currently reviewing R21, another vaccine, before issuing a final recommendation.

Michel Ange Nga