Malaria Control

Malaria vaccine shows results – the challenge is the last dose

A little over two years ago, Cameroon began routinely vaccinating children against malaria. Health workers can now confirm that the vaccine has had a good effect against the serious disease – but they worry that far from all children will return for the fourth and final injection. This is reported by the AP.

In a pilot program for the malaria vaccine in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, about 80 percent of children in the target group received their first dose. But only 46 percent received the fourth dose, which is due several months later.

Parents generally view the vaccine very positively. But many children missed their final dose due to factors such as transportation costs and lack of follow-up.

Parents Welcome Vaccine: “Children’s Wards Are Empty”

The malaria vaccine for children under two has been largely welcomed with open arms by parents in Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi and Kenya, reports the AP.

Alice Tchuenmegne, a nurse at the district hospital in the town of Soa in Cameroon, says she can see the difference the vaccine has made.

“Our children’s wards have been emptied,” she says.

Mother Mabel Djoumessi is at the hospital in Soa to vaccinate her nine-month-old son Kenfack. She says her other children, who could not be vaccinated, have often been sick. But Kenfack has been healthy. That’s why she is extra careful that he gets all four doses.

“I don’t want him to suffer like the others have,” she says.