Burkina Faso has become the second country to include the malaria vaccination in its immunisation programme.
After Cameroon did the same a few weeks ago, Burkina Faso followed suit with the RTS,S malaria vaccine officially integrated into the expanded vaccination programme across 27 health districts in the country.
The World Health Organization endorsed the vaccine two years ago, recognising its potential to significantly decrease severe infections and hospitalizations.
It’s important to note that while no malaria vaccine has halted transmission, essential tools such as bed nets and insecticidal spraying remain crucial. The malaria parasite primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes, causing symptoms like fever, headaches, and chills.
Burkina Faso bears a severe malaria burden, with nearly 12.5 million cases reported in 2021, translating to an incidence rate of 569 cases per 1,000 population. Officially, 4,355 deaths were attributed to the parasitic infection, although the World Health Organization estimates suggest the actual toll could be as high as 18,976.
Cameroon took the pioneering step of launching the world’s first malaria vaccine programme for children on January 22nd.
As per the Gavi vaccine alliance, the initial phase of the vaccine rollout in Burkina Faso aims to reach approximately 250,000 children aged five to 23 months, spanning 27 health districts out of a total of 70.
“This toll is deplorable,” said Christian Kompaoré, Permanent Secretary for Malaria Elimination. “Children under five years old, as well as pregnant women, are the most vulnerable to malaria.
“It is precisely this segment of the population that bears the heaviest burden in the face of this disease. Their immunity, immature for children and declining for pregnant women, makes them particularly susceptible to malaria.”
Protecting Yourself Against Malaria
If you’re travelling to an African country soon then you may need to think about it. But sadly you won’t be eligible for one of these vaccines as you’re not a resident.
Thankfully, antimalarial medication can prevent you from getting sick. By fighting the disease and preventing the spread of the parasite within the body, these medications prevent you from becoming sick from the disease.
Although antimalarials don’t prevent malaria from getting into the body, they do stop the disease in its tracks and make sure no symptoms occur.
The precise medication you’ll need will depend on the destination you’re off to. In some regions, the prevalent strains of the disease are resistant to certain types of medications. So this means the type of antimalarial you should take is often dependent on the country you’re visiting.
For example, in some countries, malaria will be resistant to chloroquine, so if you were travelling to one of these destinations then you’d need to take something else.
This makes it important to speak to a medical professional before purchasing the first anti-malarial you come across so you can be sure you’ll be properly protected.
Where Can You Buy Malaria Tablets?
If you’re looking for a place to buy antimalarials then we’ve got you covered. A travel consultation with a Newdays pharmacist will ensure you’ve got the right medication based on your medical history and your itinerary.
You may also wish to check official malaria guidance and advice for your specific destinations just to be on the safe side, but this is something we can also help with.
These preventative drugs work by disrupting the parasite’s life cycle and are usually effective in preventing sickness However, it’s worth keeping in mind that they’re not without potential side effects and some antimalarials may not be suitable depending on your medical history.
Common side-effects of these drugs include nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness. However, not everyone who takes antimalarials will experience these side effects and, even for those who do, these will often die down after a few days as the body adjusts to the medication.
Furthermore, some antimalarials may interact with other medications. So if you take regular medication then be sure to tell your doctor or medical professional before taking these drugs This will help them provide the most suitable medication.
This is why it’s always crucial to consult a healthcare professional whenever you want to buy malaria tablets as this helps to ensure you’re fully protected and the medication you’re taking is safe and suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaria vaccines have been developed for use in children living in countries where malaria is common, but they are not currently recommended as a substitute for malaria tablets for UK travellers. If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area, you may still need antimalarial medication and should seek travel health advice before departure.
Yes. Current malaria vaccines do not provide complete protection for travellers. Taking the recommended antimalarial tablets, using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing after sunset and sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets remain essential for reducing your risk of malaria.
Before travelling, book a travel health consultation. A pharmacist or travel health specialist will assess your destination, itinerary, medical history and planned activities to determine whether you need malaria tablets, travel vaccinations and other preventive measures.