The World Health Organization has officially approved the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, affirming its safety and efficacy.
Scientists have recently developed a second vaccine aimed at safeguarding children against malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Known as R21/Matrix-M, this new vaccine has garnered official approval from the World Health Organization (WHO), affirming its safety and effectiveness. It marks the second malaria vaccine endorsed by WHO, following the recommendation of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in 2021.
Previously, only one malaria vaccine was available, which proved insufficient to meet the needs of all those at risk. With the introduction of two vaccines, more children can now benefit from protection against malaria. WHO reported over 249 million cases of malaria and a total of 608,000 deaths in 2022, underscoring the urgent need for effective intervention. This development holds particular significance for Africa, where millions of children suffer from malaria annually.
Second Malaria Vaccine
The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, acts as a powerful defense against malaria. Health professionals and experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) are enthusiastic about this new vaccine because it will provide more children with the opportunity to maintain good health and develop robustly. They are collaborating with countries and organizations to ensure that the vaccine reaches all those in need.
Describing malaria as a formidable adversary, Dr. Kate O’Brien, Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals at WHO, remarked, “Today marks a significant advancement in global health with the prequalification of the R21/Matrix-M, the second malaria vaccine recommended for children in malaria-prone regions. This represents yet another stride towards securing a healthier and more resilient future for communities long plagued by the threat of malaria and its impact on their children.”
Malaria Prevention
The scientists at WHO and the developers of the vaccine see this as a significant advancement in the battle against malaria, but they emphasize that there is still more work ahead. They stress the importance of ongoing research and development to create even more effective vaccines and medications with the ultimate goal of eradicating malaria entirely.
Alongside the vaccine, WHO has also advised implementing preventive measures such as sleeping under mosquito nets, using mosquito repellents in the evenings, employing coils and vaporizers, wearing protective clothing, and installing window screens to prevent mosquito bites.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, expressed his excitement and gratitude, highlighting how the widespread availability of two malaria vaccines will serve as a crucial tool in safeguarding children worldwide against this perilous infection and ultimately realizing a malaria-free future.