Malaria Routine Vaccine Programme: Historic step in the fight against malaria, Cameroon started the world's first routine vaccine program
Cameroon Malaria Eradication Programme: Malaria is a deadly mosquito-borne disease, which kills millions of people every year, especially in Africa. Now there is a big ray of hope against this disease.
The Kalamkar News, Cameroon War Against Malaria: Malaria is a deadly mosquito-borne disease, which kills millions of people every year, especially in Africa.
Now there is a big ray of hope against this disease. Cameroon has started the world's first routine vaccine program, which is considered a big step in fighting malaria.
This vaccination will be done with the World Health Organization (WHO) approved RTS,S vaccine, which has been developed by British drugmaker GSK. Initially, this vaccine will be given to children in the 42 districts of Cameroon that are most affected by malaria.
Cameroon will become the first country to administer this vaccine through the routine vaccine program. Earlier, its successful pilot campaigns were run in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi.
It is believed that this vaccine will save the lives of thousands of children across Africa. WHO has estimated that this vaccine can save the lives of more than 4 lakh children every year.
An important milestone in the fight against malaria
Cameroon's Health Minister Dr. Malchi Manouda has described the launch of the vaccine program as 'an important milestone in the fight against malaria'.
He said that this vaccine gives us a powerful weapon to fight this deadly disease and ensure that every child gets the opportunity to live a healthy life.
However, it is important to note that RTS,S vaccine is not 100% effective for malaria. It is helpful in preventing severe cases of malaria and reducing child mortality, but it cannot completely prevent infection.
What measures should be taken?
The vaccine should be implemented as part of a complete malaria control strategy along with use of mosquito nets, avoiding water stagnation around houses and other mosquito control measures.
This vaccination program launched by Cameroon is a major victory in the fight against malaria. It is hoped that other African countries will also adopt this program and help reduce the burden of malaria across the continent.