Introduction of the Malaria Vaccine into Routine Vaccination in Cameroon: A Dream Come True.

Since Wednesday, January 22, 2024, the dream of millions of Cameroonian parents has become a reality after more than 30 years of anticipation. Indeed, with the sustained support of the UNICEF team as well as other partners such as WHO and GAVI, the vaccine to protect children against the deadliest infectious disease in Cameroon has been introduced into the routine Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Cameroon is the first African country to introduce this vaccine into routine use, following pilot phases conducted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi.

Judith, a 6-month-old, is one of the first babies to have received her first dose of the malaria vaccine (RTS,S -Mosquirix) on January 22, 2024, at the Soa district hospital, which hosted the official launch ceremony, turning hope into reality.

For this initial phase, over 249,133 children aged 6 months are targeted in 42 health districts with high malaria transmission across all 10 regions (200 Health Districts). To date, Cameroon has already received 647,800 doses, provided by GAVI for the 2024 fiscal year as planned. It remains for communities to mobilize for optimal use of this vaccine, to provide further protection. This vaccine, targeting children aged 6 to 24 months (the most vulnerable), is administered in 4 doses (at 6, 7, 9, and 24 months). Two months post-introduction, 24,030 children have already received their first dose of the vaccine, and 6,846 children have received the second dose.

UNICEF’s teams play a crucial role in routine vaccination in Cameroon, including logistical support and assistance in communication, community mobilization, and technical support.

Although many challenges remain (such as improving vaccination coverage), the country plans to scale up from 42 to 116 districts in 2025. UNICEF will continue its support and assistance with quantification, purchasing, transportation, distribution, and management of vaccines and vaccination supplies; management of cold chain equipment; and Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) approaches, particularly in community engagement, social listening, rumor management and infodemic management, risk perception enhancement, communication, and partnership development.