Cameroon has launched the first routine malaria vaccine program in Africa, marking a significant step in the fight against the disease.

The first vaccine was administered to a baby girl named Daniella, near Yaoundé. Developed by GSK, a British multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, the vaccine has been in production and testing for over 30 years. It is now being offered free of charge to infants up to six months old and requires four doses. Although the vaccine's effectiveness is approximately 36%, it is considered a crucial addition to malaria control strategies.

Malaria is a major health concern in Africa, with 600,000 annual deaths, predominantly in children under five. The World Health Organisation (WHO) applauds this milestone. Twenty more African countries, including Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone plan to introduce the vaccine this year.

Despite concerns about vaccine hesitancy due to safety and efficacy doubts, health officials emphasise its benefits. The WHO notes that Cameroon alone experiences six million malaria cases and 4,000 deaths yearly. The vaccine is hoped to significantly reduce these numbers, especially in districts with the highest vulnerability and mortality rates.