Malaria Vaccines[edit | edit source]

An Anopheles mosquito, responsible for transmitting malaria.

Malaria vaccines aim to prevent malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. As of 2021, the only World Health Organization (WHO)-approved malaria vaccine is RTS,S, marketed under the brand name Mosquirix. This vaccine represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against malaria, a disease that poses a major health challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix)[edit | edit source]

The RTS,S vaccine, known by its brand name Mosquirix, requires a regimen of four injections. Despite its groundbreaking status as the first approved vaccine for malaria, its efficacy is relatively low. Clinical trials have shown that it offers partial protection against malaria in children, reducing cases by approximately 39% over 4 years^[1]. Due to its low efficacy, the WHO has issued specific recommendations regarding its use.

WHO Recommendations[edit | edit source]

The WHO does not recommend the routine use of the RTS,S vaccine for babies between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Instead, it is recommended for children in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission as part of a pilot program to better understand the vaccine's impact on child mortality rates^[2].

Developments Since 2021[edit | edit source]

Since 2021, research and development in malaria vaccines have continued to progress. Efforts to improve the efficacy of malaria vaccines and to develop new vaccines are ongoing, with several candidates in various stages of clinical trials. These efforts aim to produce vaccines with higher efficacy rates and longer-lasting protection, showing promise for future breakthroughs in malaria prevention^[3].

Future Directions[edit | edit source]

The quest for a highly effective malaria vaccine continues. Scientists are exploring various approaches, including subunit vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and whole-parasite vaccines, to improve efficacy and protection duration. The development of new technologies and the discovery of potential vaccine targets offer hope for more effective malaria vaccines in the future.

References[edit | edit source]

↑
↑ "WHO statement on RTS,S malaria vaccine". World Health Organization. Retrieved Access Date. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
↑ "Progress in Developing Malaria Vaccines". Malaria Vaccine Initiative. Retrieved Access Date. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)

External Links[edit | edit source]

Malaria vaccine Resources
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