“FATSHIMETRY – Malaria vaccine: a major step forward in the fight against this deadly disease”
At the beginning of spring, the whole world is celebrating World Malaria Day, a disease that continues to cause devastation, particularly in Africa where nearly 95% of deaths are recorded. Fortunately, the international community is taking a giant step in the fight against this scourge, with the recommendation of two vaccines by the World Health Organization in October 2023.
After more than 30 years of research and development, the RTS,S vaccine was finally approved in 2021 by the WHO, paving the way for mass vaccination campaigns in several African countries. Tangible results have already been observed, with a 13% drop in malaria-related child mortality in countries such as Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.
Cameroon has also embarked on routine childhood vaccination, becoming the first country in Central Africa to implement a free vaccination program to effectively combat malaria. Other countries such as Benin and Côte d’Ivoire are following suit, demonstrating the crucial importance of prevention to save thousands of lives.
In addition to vaccination, the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets is also of paramount importance in preventing malaria. The new 2.0 mosquito nets, impregnated with two insecticides instead of just one, offer increased effectiveness of 20 to 50%, thus reducing the risk of contamination by mosquitoes carrying the parasite.
Despite these promising advances, much remains to be done in the fight against malaria. Access to vaccines and mosquito nets must be extended to all at-risk populations, and additional funding must be mobilized to intensify efforts to prevent and treat this disease.
On this World Malaria Day, let us remember that international collaboration and concrete actions on the ground are essential to eradicate this disease and provide a healthier and safer future for all. The road to a malaria-free world is still long, but every step counts in this vital fight for global health.