Malaria vaccine comes to Cameroon – Analysis

Cameroon Receives Shipment of Malaria Vaccine, Becoming First African Country to Obtain a Large Supply

Cameroon has become the first African country to receive a large shipment of the malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, manufactured by British drugmaker GSK. The vaccine, which was approved by the World Health Organization in autumn 2021, was delivered to Yaounde’s Nsimalen International Airport and consists of 331,200 doses.

Mosquirix, also known as RTS,S, is the world’s first malaria vaccine. It was initially introduced through a pilot program in 2019, which provided doses to over 800,000 children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi.

According to the World Health Organization, there were 247 million malaria cases and 619,000 deaths worldwide in 2021, with 77 percent of those fatalities occurring among children under the age of five. Africa accounted for approximately 95 percent of global malaria cases and 96 percent of related deaths that year.

The Cameroonian Health Minister, Manaouda Malachie, stated that the initial shipment of the vaccine will be distributed in the 42 districts of the country with the highest malaria burden. The doses will only be administered to children between 6 and 24 months of age. Malachie emphasized the impact of malaria on newborns and expressed hope that the vaccine would contribute to reducing mortality rates.

Cameroon’s receipt of the vaccine has been seen as a cause for celebration. It is anticipated that the number of doses will increase gradually, reaching 4 million this year, 6 million next year, and 8 million the following year. Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF, described the vaccine as a game-changer in the fight against malaria, likening it to adding a star player to a team.

In addition to Cameroon, 12 other African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Niger, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, will be receiving 18 million doses of the malaria vaccine between 2023 and 2025. Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone are expected to receive 1.7 million doses in the near future.

It is estimated that more than 2 billion people worldwide are currently infected with the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria and is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, according to UNICEF.

Analysis:

The article provides information regarding Cameroon becoming the first African country to receive a large shipment of the malaria vaccine, Mosquirix. The vaccine’s approval by the World Health Organization and its effectiveness in pilot programs conducted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi are mentioned.

The sources cited in the article, such as the World Health Organization, Cameroonian Health Minister Manaouda Malachie, and Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, are credible and relevant in the context of reporting on global health issues. The inclusion of their statements adds credibility to the article.

The article presents factual information about malaria cases and deaths worldwide, with specific emphasis on Africa’s burden. It highlights the impact of malaria on children under the age of five and the potential significance of the vaccine in reducing mortality rates.

There don’t appear to be any significant biases in the article. The information is presented objectively, focusing on the importance of the vaccine and its potential positive impact on public health.

Overall, the article provides reliable information about the malaria vaccine and its distribution in Cameroon and other African countries. The sources cited and the presentation of facts contribute to the article’s credibility. The inclusion of the vaccine’s effectiveness in pilot programs and its approval by the World Health Organization further supports its reliability.

In terms of public perception, the article’s thorough reporting and the involvement of reputable organizations may contribute to a greater understanding of the importance of the vaccine in addressing malaria. However, considering the prevalence of fake news and misinformation, it is essential for individuals to critically evaluate the information they encounter and rely on trusted sources for accurate and reliable information. The political landscape and the influence of certain interest groups may also shape public perception, potentially affecting the acceptance and implementation of the vaccine.

Source: RT news: Malaria vaccine comes to Cameroon