WHO recommends R21/Matrix-M vaccine for malaria
Go to source) This vaccine was developed through a partnership between the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune //and the University of Oxford in the UK. In 2021,the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine became the first jab against the mosquito-borne disease to receive a WHO nod.The WHO’s independent advisory body, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG), recommended use of the vaccine after reviewing its safety, quality and effectiveness standards last month.Their recommendation was based on pre-clinical and clinical trial data which showed good safety and high efficacy in four countries, at sites with both seasonal and perennial malaria transmission.
Malaria
Malaria is caused by a parasite that enters blood through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is characterized by fever, vomiting, shivering, sweating and other symptoms.
Malaria is caused by a parasite that enters blood through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is characterized by fever, vomiting, shivering, sweating and other symptoms.
‘The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is the second vaccine ever recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for safeguarding children against malaria. #malariavaccine #mosquito #dengue ’
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“As a malaria researcher, I used to dream of the day we would have a safe and effective vaccine against malaria. Now we have two,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in a statement. “Demand for the RTS, S vaccine far exceeds supply, so this second vaccine is a vital additional tool to protect more children faster, and to bring us closer to our vision of a malaria-free future,” he added.
R21/Matrix-M™ Malaria Vaccine: A Potential Lifesaver
The R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine has been licensed for use in Ghana, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. In combination with public health measures such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, the new vaccine can help save and improve the lives of millions of children and their families. In areas with highly seasonal malaria transmission (where malaria transmission is largely limited to 4 or 5 months per year), the R21 vaccine was shown to reduce symptomatic cases of malaria by 75 percent during the 12 months following a 3-dose series.A fourth dose given a year after the third maintained efficacy. This high efficacy is similar to the efficacy demonstrated when RTS,S is given seasonally. The vaccine also showed good efficacy (66 percent) during the 12 months following the first 3 doses. A fourth dose a year after the third maintained efficacy. Mathematical modelling estimates indicate the public health impact of the R21 vaccine is expected to be high in a wide range of malaria transmission settings, including low transmission settings. At prices of $2-$4 per dose, the cost-effectiveness of the R21 vaccine would be comparable with other recommended malaria interventions and other childhood vaccines.
“The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is easily deployable, cost effective and affordable, ready for distribution in areas where it is needed most, with the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives a year,” said Professor Sir Adrian Hill, Director of The Jenner Institute, at Oxford. Notably, SII has already established production capacity for 100 million doses per annum, which will be doubled over the next two years. This scale of production is critical because vaccinating those at high risk of malaria will be important in stemming the spread of disease, as well as protecting the vaccinated.
Quiz on Malaria
Malaria is a common parasitic disease of the tropics, resulting in a million deaths every year. It is most commonly found in tropical countries. The symptoms of malaria include fever with chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Malaria fatalities can be reduced if they are detected early and treated appropriately
Malaria is a common parasitic disease of the tropics, resulting in a million deaths every year. It is most commonly found in tropical countries. The symptoms of malaria include fever with chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Malaria fatalities can be reduced if they are detected early and treated appropriately
Reference:
- WHO recommends R21/Matrix-M vaccine for malaria - (https://www.who.int/news/item/02-10-2023-who-recommends-r21-matrix-m-vaccine-for-malaria-prevention-in-updated-advice-on-immunization)
Interesting Facts and Statistics about Malaria
Malaria is an endemic in many parts of the world. Many lack basic knowledge about preventive measures or medications to fight malaria. Learn about some useful and interesting malaria facts.
Malaria is an endemic in many parts of the world. Many lack basic knowledge about preventive measures or medications to fight malaria. Learn about some useful and interesting malaria facts.
Pregnant Women's Role in Malaria Surveillance and Monitoring
In pregnant women, infection rates observed during their initial antenatal visit provide insights into malaria disease burden experienced by kids.
In pregnant women, infection rates observed during their initial antenatal visit provide insights into malaria disease burden experienced by kids.
