|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A Breakthrough in the Fight Against Malaria
A groundbreaking malaria vaccine that is both affordable and scalable has received a strong recommendation for global use from the World Health Organization (WHO). This innovative vaccine, known as R21, has been developed by the University of Oxford and marks a significant advancement in the battle against a disease that primarily affects infants and children.
A Century-Long Quest for a Malaria Vaccine
The fight against malaria has been a challenging one, spanning more than a century of scientific efforts. Malaria is caused by a complex parasite transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Unlike viruses, this parasite continuously morphs within the human body, evading the immune system and making it difficult to develop natural immunity or create a vaccine.
A Duo of Effective Vaccines
The WHO’s recommendation comes nearly two years after endorsing the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S, developed by GSK. Now, with the addition of the University of Oxford’s R21 vaccine, there are two effective options available. According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s Director-General, having two safe and effective vaccines against malaria is a dream come true.
Manufacturing at Scale
While both vaccines are similarly effective, the University of Oxford’s R21 vaccine has a significant advantage when it comes to production scale. The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, is set to produce over 100 million doses annually, with plans to scale up to 200 million. In contrast, there are currently only 18 million doses of RTS,S available.
Affordable and Accessible
The R21 vaccine also shines in terms of cost. Priced at $2-4 per dose, it is approximately half the cost of RTS,S. Each person requires four doses, making it a more affordable and accessible option.
Innovative Technology
Both vaccines utilize similar technologies and target the same stage of the malaria parasite’s lifecycle. However, R21 stands out as it requires a smaller dose and employs a simpler adjuvant, a chemical that activates the immune system. This ease of manufacturing and affordability makes it an ideal candidate for widespread deployment.
Saving Lives in Malaria-Stricken Regions
In 2021 alone, malaria affected 247 million individuals, causing 619,000 deaths, with the majority being children under five years old. Over 95% of malaria cases are concentrated in Africa. The R21 vaccine, which has shown 75% effectiveness in seasonal malaria areas, holds immense promise in reducing these devastating statistics.
Bridging the Demand-Supply Gap
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, believes that this second vaccine can help bridge the enormous demand-supply gap. When distributed on a large scale, both vaccines can significantly enhance malaria prevention and control efforts, ultimately saving countless young lives.
Realizing the Life-Saving Potential
Data, though not yet peer-reviewed, indicates that the R21 vaccine is 75% effective in areas where malaria is seasonal, a rate comparable to the first vaccine, RTS,S. While effectiveness decreases in regions with year-round parasite presence, Prof. Sir Adrian Hill, director of the Jenner Institute in Oxford, where R21 was developed, emphasizes the vaccine’s deployability, cost-effectiveness, and life-saving potential.
An Ongoing Fight Against Malaria
Gareth Jenkins, representing Malaria No More UK, reminds us that despite these breakthroughs, global malaria financing remains insufficient. The pandemic exacerbated malaria deaths, which still surpass pre-pandemic levels. Therefore, as new tools are developed, complacency must be avoided to ensure continued progress in the fight against malaria.
