The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a cost-effective malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the deadly mosquito-borne disease.
Malaria primarily affects infants and young children and has been a major global health concern for over a century. The new vaccine, known as R21, is poised to produce over 100 million doses annually, with the Serum Institute of India planning to increase production to 200 million doses.
This vaccine costs $2-4 per dose and requires four doses per person, making it significantly more affordable than the previously endorsed RTS,S vaccine. In 2021, malaria caused 247 million cases and claimed 619,000 lives, mostly children under five years old, with over 95% of cases occurring in Africa.
While the R21 vaccine has not undergone a standard scientific review process, it has demonstrated 75% effectiveness in preventing malaria in seasonal areas, providing a valuable tool in malaria prevention and control efforts.
