Malaria vaccine acceptance and associated factors in cameroon: A nationwide cross-sectional survey

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease. This significant public health problem disproportionately affects people in Africa. Despite investments in existing vector control and curative treatments, malaria remains the first infant-child morbidity and mortality cause, with 11,000 annual deaths in Cameroon. However, there are effective vaccines against the disease. So, this study sought to evaluate vaccine acceptance and related factors to guide the vaccine rollout.

This nationwide cross-sectional survey collected data from December 2023 to January 2024 using an online and in-person questionnaire. The chi-square test identified the malaria vaccine acceptance elements, and multiple logistic regression depicted factors linked to vaccine acceptance. SPSS enabled analysis, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Microsoft Excel 365 eased the elaboration of charts and tables.

Data from 2025 participants indicated a 91 % malaria vaccine acceptance. This rate varied from 78 % in the Littoral to 94 % in the Far North and South West regions. Factors that favor vaccine acceptance include a history of severe malaria (OR = 1.4, 95 %CI: 1.0-1.8, p = 0.03), awareness of the availability of the malaria vaccine for infants (OR = 1.4, 95 %CI: 1.0-2.0, p = 0.03), and working in the vaccination service (OR = 3.8, 95 %CI: 2.7-5.3, p < 0.01). Elements reported for vaccine hesitancy include fear of unsafe and negative rumors about the vaccine.

People in Cameroon are willing to get their children vaccinated against malaria. However, following regional acceptance disparities and identified hesitancy points, it is crucial to reinforce communication to address population groups, doubts, and rumors about vaccines to ensure optimal uptake in the country's regions during the malaria vaccine rollout.