WHO supports affordable new vaccine for malaria

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of a cheap malaria vaccine that can be produced on a large scale. Developed by the University of Oxford, this is only the second malaria vaccine to be created. Malaria is a deadly disease that primarily affects babies and infants, and it has been a major problem for humanity. Agreements are already in place to manufacture over 100 million doses of the vaccine annually. The development of effective malaria vaccines has been a century-long scientific effort. Malaria is caused by a complex parasite transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes. Unlike viruses, the parasite constantly changes its shape inside the human body, making it challenging to develop natural immunity or a vaccine against it. The first malaria vaccine, known as RTS,S and developed by GSK, was endorsed by the WHO nearly two years ago. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of WHO, expressed his delight at having two safe and effective vaccines against malaria. The WHO stated that both vaccines are equally effective, but the University of Oxford's vaccine, called R21, holds an advantage in terms of manufacturing capacity. The Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, has committed to producing more than 100 million doses of the R21 vaccine per year. Currently, there are only 18 million doses of RTS,S available. The WHO emphasized that the R21 vaccine will be a crucial additional tool in addressing the high demand for malaria vaccines. It is projected to be available from the middle of next year, with each dose costing between US$2-4 and requiring four doses per person. In 2021 alone, there were 247 million cases of malaria and 619,000 deaths, predominantly among children under five years old. Over 95% of malaria cases occur in Africa. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, highlighted the tremendous potential of the second vaccine in closing the significant gap between demand and supply. With the widespread implementation of both vaccines, they can greatly contribute to malaria prevention efforts and save hundreds of thousands of young lives.