Cameroon Starts World-First Malaria Vaccine Program for Kids
TimeJAN 30 2024
World's First Malaria Vaccine Rollout Begins in Cameroon
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The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Widespread vaccine hesitancy in Africa was exemplified during COVID, and this destructive issue has not gone away. Obstacles to successful vaccination campaigns include individual, cultural, and religious beliefs as well as the spread of misinformation. National, continental, and global institutions must build upon their pro-vaccine campaigns if they want to help African states increase inoculations and decrease deadly diseases.
Establishment-critical narrative
The patronizing tone with which global health institutions speak about Africa is astounding. Perhaps modern-day vaccine hesitancy has nothing to do with misinformation and more to do with the data. As the WHO was beginning its implied consent RTS,S vaccine rollout — meaning the recipients receiving the jab were unaware of it — they probably also didn't disclose that studies showed the vaccine to increase meningitis by 10 times and double the risk of death in girls.