Pre-emptively tackling vaccine misinformation for a successful large-scale roll-out of malaria vaccines in Africa

Titanji, Boghuma K; Mekone, Isabelle; Scales, David; Ndoula, Shalom Tchokfe; Seungue, Judith; Gorman, Sara E.

doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00453-x

Cited by 2 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Despite a high level of political commitment, the spread of misinformation suggesting that the malaria vaccine was dangerous and ineffective following the receipt of the first shipment led to the initial launch of MVI, scheduled for 12 December 2024, being postponed. In a commentary published in September 2023, Titanji et al [19] warned that the rollout of the malaria vaccine coincided with the prevailing challenge of vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic and that assumptions about vaccine acceptance might be faulty. The postponement of the launch gave the Cameroon Ministry of Health time to intensify community-based risk communication involving community leaders and health workers rather than using the usual mass media communication.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Malaria Vaccine Introduction in Cameroon: Early Results 30 Days into Rollout

Ndoula,

Mboussou,

Njoh

et al. 2024

Vaccines

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Cameroon introduced the malaria vaccine in its routine immunization program on 22 January 2024 in the 42 districts out of 200 that are among the most at risk of malaria. A cross-sectional analysis of the data on key vaccine events in the introduction roadmap and the vaccine uptake during the first 30 days was conducted. In addition to available gray literature related to the introduction of the malaria vaccine, data on the malaria vaccine uptake by vaccination session, collected through a digital platform, were analyzed. A total of 1893 reports were received from 22 January 2024 to 21 February 2024 from 766 health facilities (84% of overall completeness). Two regions out of ten recorded less than 80% completeness. As of 21 February 2024, 13,811 children had received the first dose of the malaria vaccine, including 7124 girls (51.6%) and 6687 boys (48.4%). In total, 36% of the children were vaccinated through outreach sessions, while 61.5% were vaccinated through sessions in fixed posts. The overall monthly immunization coverage with the first dose was 37%. Early results have shown positive attitudes towards and acceptance of malaria vaccines. Suboptimal completeness of data reporting and a low coverage highlight persistent gaps and challenges in the vaccine rollout.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Malaria Vaccine Introduction in Cameroon: Early Results 30 Days into Rollout

Ndoula,

Mboussou,

Njoh

et al. 2024

Vaccines

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“…These perceptions were also identi ed in some parts of Tanzania [28] and elsewhere [42]. These perceptions linger among the respondents mainly due to a lack of appropriate information on the malaria vaccine [13]. It is common knowledge that the uptake of any intervention in a community is determined by its perceived effectiveness and relevance.…”

Section: Awareness and Perception Of The Malaria Vaccinementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Due to the high e cacy of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine in under ves, two countries in Africa (Ghana and Nigeria) have approved it for use despite a phase 3 clinical trial [13]. On the other hand, four doses of RTS and the S/AS01 vaccine have gone through all phases of clinical trials and have shown approximately 40% e cacy in reducing clinical malaria and 30% e cacy in reducing severe malaria for 5 months to under ves [11,13]. Additionally, 40% vaccine e cacy surpasses the e cacy of ITNs in malaria control.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, 40% vaccine e cacy surpasses the e cacy of ITNs in malaria control. From 2019 to 2021, pilot roll-outs of this vaccine were conducted in three African countries: Ghana, Kenya and Malawi [13]. Moreover, in 2021, the WHO endorsed the RTS S vaccine for broader roll-out in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…If that misconception continues, this increase in vaccine hesitancy during COVID-19 might also affect the acceptance of malaria vaccines. For instance, UNICEF reported that the percentage of immunized children in some countries decreased to 44% during the COVID-19 pandemic [13]. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the magnitude of malaria vaccine acceptance and address all misconceptions existing in communities before vaccine rollout.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Willingness and Perceptions of Malaria Vaccines among Caregivers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Mwingira,

Matiya,

Chacky

2024

Preprint

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Background Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country that relies solely on antimalarial drugs and vector control, insecticide-treated bed nets, and indoor residual spray control strategies. However, the efficacy of these interventions is threatened by the development of resistance, and additional strategies are needed to accelerate malaria eradication. Currently, malaria vaccines have begun to roll out in endemic areas. However, hesitancy emanating from misinformation on vaccine efficacy and safety has been recorded in various parts of the world. Thus, an assessment of caregivers' acceptance of the malaria vaccine is essential. In this context, this study investigated the awareness and willingness of caregivers towards the malaria vaccine. Methodology: This is a health facility-based cross-sectional survey conducted from September 2022 to March 2023. In total, 293 caregivers attending Ante-Natal Clinics (ANC) in selected health facilities in Dar es Salaam were recruited. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect caregivers’ demographic information, knowledge of malaria, knowledge of malaria vaccines and willingness to receive malaria vaccines. Results The respondents were predominantly women aged 18–52 years. Overall, 87.4% had knowledge of malaria. In contrast, 14% did not know how malaria is transmitted. Most respondents (86.3%) knew about malaria prevention/control methods. However, only 14.7% of the recruited caregivers were aware of the malaria vaccine. Of those exposed to vaccine messages, 67.4% were aware that the vaccine was for children under five years of age, while 53.5% knew that the vaccine was for pregnant women. Despite their low exposure, most respondents (92.8%) were willing to receive the malaria vaccine for their children under five years of age. Conclusion Malaria knowledge was high among the caregivers. However, the abysmally low awareness of vaccines calls for targeted information, education and communication strategies (IECs) for communities to curb misconceptions and complement their high willingness to accept the malaria vaccine upon its roll-out in Tanzania.

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Pre-emptively tackling vaccine misinformation for a successful large-scale roll-out of malaria vaccines in Africa

Cited by 2 publications

References 6 publications

Malaria Vaccine Introduction in Cameroon: Early Results 30 Days into Rollout

Malaria Vaccine Introduction in Cameroon: Early Results 30 Days into Rollout

Willingness and Perceptions of Malaria Vaccines among Caregivers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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