The World Health Organization (WHO) recently approved a second malaria vaccine designed specifically for children at risk. This advance constitutes a new glimmer of hope in the fight against this deadly disease, which claimed more than 600,000 lives in 2021.
The new vaccine, called R21/Matrix-M, was recommended by the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). It has been found to be safe and effective in preventing malaria in children exposed to the disease. This authorization follows that granted in 2021 to a first vaccine, RTS,S, developed by the British pharmaceutical giant GSK.
The two vaccines have similar effectiveness rates, around 75%, when administered under the same conditions. They therefore represent a major advance for the prevention of malaria, particularly in regions where transmission of the disease is high.
The cost of the new vaccine is estimated to be between US$2 and US$4 per dose, making it comparable to other recommended methods against malaria and other vaccines for children. This financial accessibility is of paramount importance for countries fighting this disease.
WHO and its partners are expected to receive requests for up to 60 million doses per year by 2026, and up to 100 million doses by 2030. This demonstrates the scale of the challenge that represents the prevention of malaria, particularly in African countries where the disease is most prevalent.
Progress in the fight against malaria since 2000 has reduced the number of deaths from the disease by more than half, and many regions of the world have succeeded in eliminating malaria completely. However, persistent challenges, such as treatment resistance and continued disease transmission, require sustained efforts.
In addition to the malaria vaccine, the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization has also recommended new vaccines for dengue and meningitis. These advances demonstrate the constant search for solutions to prevent and combat the most devastating diseases in the world.
In conclusion, the authorization of the second malaria vaccine by the WHO is a major step forward in the fight against this deadly disease. This paves the way for better protection of children at risk and a significant reduction in the global malaria burden. It is essential to continue investing in the research and development of new vaccines to prevent the diseases that continue to wreak havoc across the world.