M.ALARIA IS ONE OF THE MOST feared foes in medical science. For decades, the search for a vaccine has been ongoing. In recent years, dozens of candidates were tested. In clinical trials, only one candidate, GlaxoSmithKline's RTS,S jab, has been successful. RTS,S was recommended by the World Health Organisation ( WHO) for use in childhood vaccinations in areas with Plasmodium falciparum transmission, which is the deadliest parasite that causes malaria and most prevalent in Africa, on October 6th.
After reviewing data from Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, the WHO made its decision after looking at results. More than 800,000 children were vaccinated using a four-dose regimen. RTS,S was distributed in these countries by primary health-care centers as part of routine childhood vaccines. The implementation program, which saw RTS,S reduce by 30% the number cases of severe malaria that led to hospitalizations, was used to determine how effective the vaccine can be rolled out across Africa.
Some might think that 30% efficacy does not seem like much. In sub-Saharan Africa, children contract malaria six times per year. More than 260,000 African children are affected by the disease each year before they reach their fifth birthdays. Many of those who survive are often subject to lifelong damage, including stunting which is a form impaired growth that reduces one's ability to learn. RTS,S's impact will be enormous.
The WHO states that the vaccine is safe after being administered more than 2.3 million doses. This was in addition to clearing the air on three safety signs that were raised during an earlier trial. The jab is also highly cost-effective, according to the WHO. GAVI, an international organization that purchases vaccines for poor countries (RTS,S) will decide if it will add RTS to its product portfolio.
A version early in the article was published online October 6, 2021.
