Bridging the gap to malaria vaccination in Africa: Challenges and opportunities
Olalekan John Okesanya, Faith Ayobami Atewologun, Don Eliseo Lucero‐Prisno, Olaniyi Abideen Adigun, Tolutope Adebimpe Oso, Emery Manirambona, Noah Olaleke Olabode, Gilbert Eshun, Abdulmajeed Opeyemi Agboola, Inibehe Ime Okon
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.