Cameroon launched the world’s first regular malaria immunisation scheme on Monday.
According to the global vaccination alliance Gavi, it is one of 20 African nations that expect to launch the medicine this year.
Here are a few essential facts.
The RTS,S malaria vaccine, produced by British pharmaceutical company GSK and commercialised under the trade name Mosquirix, was approved by the World Health Organisation in July 2022.
It went through testing in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi.
It targets P. falciparum, the most lethal type of malaria transmitted by anopheles mosquitos and the most widespread in Africa.
The vaccine is intended to be given to young children in four doses beginning about 5 months of age.
The vaccine has been under development for approximately 40 years.
It was initially developed in 1987, according to GSK.
The pharmaceutical obtained financing to research the RTS,S-based vaccine for young children in 2001, according to the statement.
In July 2023, 18 million doses of RTS,S available for 2023-2025 were awarded to 12 countries, with a focus on areas with the highest risk of malaria disease and mortality among children, until vaccine supply grows to match demand.
The vaccine’s efficacy is rather poor. In 2015, GSK announced the findings of a large-scale clinical study that showed it lowered the risk of severe malaria by around 30%.
cc: Vanguard Ng
