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Add to Preferred SourcesMore than 30 malaria vaccine candidates are at various stages of development. The RTS,S vaccine is at the most advanced stage.
The World Health Organisation has recommended the introduction of the vaccine in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi as a pilot programme to assess its suitability in expanded immunisation programmes.
The vaccine could prove to be a powerful tool in sustaining the gains made over the past decade in reducing malaria-related cases and deaths.
The vaccine could prove to be a powerful tool in sustaining the gains made over the past decade in reducing malaria-related cases and deaths.
Between 2000 and 2015, new malaria cases fell by 37 per cent globally, and by 42 per cent in Africa. This has been achieved through key interventions such as using treated bednets, spraying houses with insecticides and use of effective antimalarial drugs.
Combined with existing malaria interventions, the vaccine would have the potential to save tens of thousands of lives in Africa. It is important for two other reasons too: First, it would reduce the cost of managing malaria.
Historically, vaccines are more cost-effective in preventing the spread of diseases compared with other methods.
Second, the vaccine could end the problem of resistance to both drugs and insecticides that is on the rise.
Original source: TheEastAfrican.
Posted on 27 July 2017.