Progress in the Fight Against Malaria
YAOUNDE, Cameroon – More than two years after becoming the first nation to integrate the RTS,S (Mosquirix) malaria vaccine into a routine immunization program, Cameroon is seeing tangible signs of success. Health workers at facilities like the Soa District Hospital report that pediatric wards, once overwhelmed by malaria cases, are becoming noticeably emptier. According to data from the country’s National Malaria Control Program, Cameroon recorded 33,000 fewer malaria cases in 2025 compared to the previous year.
While officials are optimistic, they caution that the vaccine is not a standalone solution. Dr. Bomba Amougou, head of prevention at the National Malaria Control Program, emphasized that the reduction in cases is the result of multiple interventions, including bed nets and prompt clinical treatment. Quantifying the vaccine’s specific contribution remains difficult, but its role in the downward trend is considered significant by local health authorities.
The Booster Dose Gap
Despite the initial success, the program faces a critical hurdle: ensuring children receive the full four-dose regimen. While coverage for the first three doses has seen steady improvement—with third-dose uptake rising to 59% in 2025—completion rates for the fourth and final booster dose, administered around a child’s second birthday, remain low at approximately 25%.
Health experts note that the gap between the third and fourth doses often leads to missed appointments. Factors such as transportation costs, competing family responsibilities, and a lack of reminders contribute to the drop-off. “Parents and even health workers sometimes forget the fourth dose, particularly as it is administered long after the third,” Dr. Amougou explained.
The challenge is not unique to Cameroon. Data from pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi showed a similar trend, where coverage dropped significantly by the time children reached the age required for the final shot. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is working with governments to address these logistical barriers through “Big Catch-up” campaigns, aimed at improving follow-up and public awareness.
Economic and Health Stakes
For families in Cameroon, where the monthly minimum wage is approximately $76, the economic burden of malaria is severe. Parents report spending between $53 and $107 per treatment episode for children who fall ill. As nearly 40% of the population lives in poverty, the vaccine represents not only a health breakthrough but a vital financial relief.
Looking ahead, global health organizations are prioritizing research into single-dose alternatives to simplify the immunization process and increase uptake. Until then, health officials continue to stress that completing the full four-dose series is essential to ensure the most potent protection for children in high-risk regions.