By SA'AH SIONA IKEI
Dr. Wirngo Mohamadu, Dr. David Walton, Dr.Judith Hedje & journalists
Statistics have shown that Cameroon faces a significant burden of malaria, with over 6.4 million reported cases and 12,500 deaths in 2022. In a first time ever visit to Cameroon, Dr. David Walton, the U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator held a press conference at the Peace Corps headquarters in Yaoundé on March 13th. This was done in preparation for the launch of the "SEMBE I", a five-year project, which aims at combatting malaria in Cameroon's Far North Region.
According to research, Cameroon’s entire population of 27.9 million is at risk of contracting malaria. This is where the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative PMI, comes to play. Dr. David Walton, who has a record of over 20 years of experience in global health stated that, besides Ghana, Kenya and Malawi which were initially pilot countries, Cameroon is the first country to launch the malaria vaccine.
Serving as a platform to discuss the goals and objectives of the project, the conference highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in the fight against malaria. As such, it saw the attendance of various dignitaries, including representatives from the local health sector, members of the Peace Corps, and officials from the U.S. PMI who partook in the conference.
The ‘‘RTSS’’ vaccine is what is set for distribution in the country. At the conference, it was revealed that about 20,000 children have been vaccinated in the 10 regions already. On the other hand, another vaccine, called the ‘‘R21’’ has been made available.
Dr. Watson claims that, this vaccine the ‘‘R21’’to the ‘‘RTSS’’ and will be administered in other countries.
Emphasizing on the significance of the project in reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality, Dr. Judith Hedje who is the resident advisor for PMI at the Centre for Disease Control said that, they had witnessed an over 34% decrease in child mortality rate, saved over 11.4 million lives, and prevented over 2 billion malaria cases.
On his part, Dr. Wirngo Mohamadu, Malaria Specialist at USAID state that, there has been a 20% reduction I severe malaria cases, and a 13% all cost treatment reduction.
The U.S. President's Malaria Initiative has been supporting Cameroon in its fight against malaria since 2017 through financial and technical assistance. PMI enables the government to implement interventions proven to be effective in combating the disease. These include the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, malaria diagnosis and treatment, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention.
Valued at $30 million, the "Sembe I" project which aims to strengthen the capacity of the National Malaria Control Program and other local entities to prevent, control, and eliminate malaria, is set to be implemented in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Reports have shown that this region consists of a high population density and seasonal malaria transmissions.
The project will be implemented by the Cameroon Association for Social Marketing, going by the French acronym ACMS. This will be the first malaria project led by a local Cameroonian association that the PMI has awarded.
By Sa'ah Siona Ikei,
Creative Storyteller.
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