The first malaria vaccine for children was authorized in 2021. That year, nearly 620,000 people died from the disease.
- The World Health Organization has authorized a second malaria vaccine for children.
- The first serum was authorized in 2021.
- The African continent is the most affected by the disease.
It is one more tool to protect children from malaria. Monday October 2, the World Health Organization announced the authorization of a second vaccine for children to protect them from this serious disease. “As a malaria researcher, I dreamed of the day when we would have a safe and effective malaria vaccine, Told WHO Director Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a press conference. Now we have two.”
Malaria: a second vaccine intended for children at risk
This serum, called R21/Matrix-M, is intended for children at risk of contracting the disease. It is produced by the Serum Institute of India. It was validated by two expert groups, the Strategic Advisory Expert Group on Immunization (SAGE) and the Malaria Management Policy Advisory Group (MPAG). Regulatory aspects, notably manufacturing conditions, are still being evaluated by various specialists.
In 2021, a first vaccine was recommended by the WHO: RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) was recommended for children residing in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions where malaria transmission is moderate or high. “This is a historic moment, then welcomed the WHO Director-General. (…) Using this vaccine alongside existing tools to prevent malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year.”
Malaria, a very serious illness for children and vulnerable people
The disease is transmitted by bites from mosquitoes infected with a parasite. It can cause mild or very serious symptoms, depending on the person. In infants, children under 5 years of age or pregnant women, the risk of serious infection is high. It can cause fever, convulsions or even difficulty breathing. “Malaria remains a leading cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa., warns the WHO. In 2021, 619,000 people died from it worldwide.
Africa: a continent seriously affected by malaria
Three countries have already authorized the administration of the new vaccine to young people in this region of the world : Burkina Faso, Ghana and Nigeria. As the World Health Organization reminds us, the African continent “bears a large and disproportionate share of the global malaria burden”. According to the organization’s data, 95% of malaria cases and 96% of deaths from the disease were recorded in this region of the world in 2021.”Children under 5 years old accounted for approximately 80% of malaria deaths in the region., completes the WHO. According to the organization, the disease kills more than 260,000 African children under the age of five each year.