Bridging the gap to malaria vaccination in Africa: Challenges and opportunities
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Date
2024-01-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
The current state of malaria is devastating owing to the continual dominance of P. falciparum in the African
region. Despite progress, the burden remains high, with the African continent contributing significantly to global
malaria deaths. The introduction of malaria vaccines, such as RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M™, brings hope to
the continent, but challenges persist in achieving widespread coverage. Financial constraints, fragmented supply
chains, logistical challenges, and vaccine hesitancy are key obstacles. The complex interplay of social, cultural,
biological, political, and educational factors further complicates the fight against malaria. To bridge the vaccination
gap, a multifaceted approach involving healthcare facilities, governments, non-profit organisations, and
global agencies is expedient. It emphasises the importance of community engagement, collaboration with cultural
and religious leaders, and leveraging mass media for awareness campaigns tailored to diverse African
cultures. Specific recommendations include improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing access to qualified
healthcare providers, creating effective transportation management systems, and implementing comprehensive
inventory management policies. Governments are urged to prioritise multistakeholder collaboration, strengthen
technical working groups, expedite bureaucratic processes, and invest in multidisciplinary research to identify
and address obstacles to malaria vaccination. It calls for cooperative efforts, better data utilisation, improved
diagnostics, and comprehensive interventions to reduce the prevalence of malaria and improve public health in
Africa. By emphasising the significance of education, knowledge, targeted awareness campaigns, and strategic
communication in the malaria vaccine rollout, we can bridge the gaps in malaria vaccination in Africa.