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Rabat – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially given its stamp of approval to a new, cost-effective malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, marking a groundbreaking turn in the fight against one of humanity’s deadliest foes. This momentous decision marks a significant milestone in the fight against a disease that has claimed countless lives, with malaria primarily afflicting babies and infants, BBC reports.
Malaria, a disease caused by a cunning parasite transmitted through the bites of blood-sucking mosquitoes, has remained a formidable adversary for over a century. Its ability to constantly shape-shift within the human body has made it an elusive target for vaccine development.
Unlike viruses, which tend to provoke a stronger immune response, the malaria parasite employs clever tactics to evade the human body’s defenses, making it a formidable adversary in the global healthcare arena.
“Today, we celebrate the emergence of the second-ever malaria vaccine, known as R21, after the initial endorsement of RTS,S by GSK almost two years ago,”said a visibly delighted. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO “I used to dream of the day we would have a safe and effective vaccine against malaria, now we have two.”
This dual endorsement signifies a turning point in the ongoing battle against this deadly disease.
While both vaccines have shown “very similar” effectiveness, the distinguishing factor lies in the R21 vaccine’s capacity for mass production. The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, is poised to manufacture over 100 million doses of R21 per year.
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In stark contrast, only 18 million doses of RTS,S are currently available. This stark disparity in production capabilities positions the University of Oxford’s R21 as a game-changer in the fight against malaria.
With 247 million cases reported in 2021, resulting in 619,000 deaths, mostly among children under five, malaria remains a significant public health threat. Africa bears more than 95% of the global malaria burden.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of the R21 vaccine.
“This second vaccine holds real potential to close the huge demand-and-supply gap. Delivered to scale and rolled out widely, the two vaccines can help bolster malaria prevention, control efforts and save hundreds of thousands of young lives,” she said.
What sets this groundbreaking development apart is not just the availability of a second effective vaccine but also its affordability. Each dose of R21 costs between US$2-4, with four doses required per person.
This cost-effectiveness ensures that this life-saving intervention can be accessible to the most vulnerable populations, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for millions of people worldwide.
