Skip to main content

Malaria vaccine now being tested in Malawi

A large-scale pilot of what has been called the world's first malaria vaccine to give partial protection to children has begun in Malawi. The RTS,S vaccine trains the immune system to attack the malaria parasite, which is spread by mosquito bites. 



Earlier, smaller trials showed that nearly 40% of the 5-to-17-month-olds who received it were protected.  Malaria cases appear to be on the rise again after a decade of success in combating the deadly disease. 



"This is a landmark moment for immunisations, malaria control, and public health," Dr Kate O'Brien, Director of Immunisation and Vaccines at the World Health Organization, told the BBC. According to the most recent annual figures, global malaria cases are no longer falling, sparking concerns about its resurgence.



Malawi is the first of three countries chosen for the pilot to roll out the vaccine. It aims to immunise 120,000 children aged two years and below. The other two countries, Ghana and Kenya, will introduce the vaccine in the coming weeks. The three countries were picked because they already run large programmes to tackle malaria, including the use of bed nets, yet still have high numbers of cases.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Buhari returns to office

President Buhari on Tuesday resumed office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja after returning from the presidential election break.
Post a Comment
Read more
A home in Oklahoma was swept away into the Cimarron River following heavy flooding. Erosion caused by flooding left several homes on the verge of falling into the river but one home finally gave in. In a video going viral, the home can be seen slowly tilting to the side as the foundation was eroded by the flood. It eventually fell into Oklahoma's swollen Cimarron River and was swept away as though it were a boat.
Post a Comment
Read more
Regina Daniels has taken to Instagram to celebrate her ex-boyfriend and actor, Somadina Adinma on his birthday today. The Nollywood actors were once an 'item' before Regina Daniels got married to her older hubby, Ned Nwoko. In her special birthday message to Somadina, the actress wrote, 'there is no other male friend that can take your part in my life. This is true because you have been the best of them since this day. Happy birthday baby'.
Post a Comment
Read more