Mohammed Abdulaziz of the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expressed jubilation, stating, "For a long time, we have been awaiting a day like this." He made these remarks during a joint press briefing with WHO, Gavi, and other organizations. Cameroon opts for one of the recently sanctioned malaria vaccines, Mosquirix. Despite acknowledged imperfections upon WHO approval two years ago, officials highlighted its potential to significantly reduce severe cases and hospitalizations. Manufactured by GSK, Mosquirix boasts about 30 percent effectiveness and necessitates four doses. Studies reveal a gradual decline in its protective efficacy after several months, with GSK's production capacity capped at around 15 million doses annually. Some experts view Oxford University's R21 vaccine, greenlit by WHO in October, as a more promising alternative. Requiring only three doses and boasting lower costs, R21 offers potential advantages.

A mother holds her baby receiving a new malaria vaccine as part of a trial at the Walter Reed Project Research Center in Kombewa in Western Kenya, October 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo, File) A mother holds her baby receiving a new malaria vaccine as part of a trial at the Walter Reed Project Research Center in Kombewa in Western Kenya, October 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo, File) The introduction of the second vaccine is anticipated to address the soaring demand, potentially saving countless lives, particularly in Africa, as emphasized by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The Serum Institute of India, a key contributor to the R21 vaccine's development, asserts it could manufacture up to 200 million doses annually, with plans for a May or June launch, according to Gavi.

Despite concerns raised by some experts regarding the long-term efficacy of these vaccines and potential diversion of attention and resources from established prevention strategies, health authorities stress community engagement and continued implementation of existing protective measures alongside vaccination efforts.