LITON, Central African Republic: In a significant stride towards combating malaria, a deadly disease claiming the lives of approximately 600,000 individuals annually, particularly children, a new vaccine is set to be introduced in 18 countries where the disease exerts its deadliest toll.
This development is undeniably a cause for celebration. However, the overwhelming enthusiasm surrounding this announcement also highlights the pressing challenges faced in malaria control, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address this public health crisis.
The vaccine, known as R21/Matrix-M, is an imperfect solution that, at its best, can provide protection to 75% of those administered. This figure, derived from clinical trials, might translate to a lower rate of protection in the realities of impoverished African villages. Nonetheless, the initiation of vaccination programs in the 18 targeted countries is of paramount importance, as it is anticipated to prevent a substantial number of deaths. However, it is vital to recognize that this vaccine is not the ultimate solution to eradicating malaria.
Developed by Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India, the R21/Matrix-M vaccine is the second of its kind to be deployed for field use. The first was the RTS,S vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The efficacy of these vaccines is similar, employing comparable methodologies, albeit lacking the breakthrough mRNA technology used in Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines.
BREAKTHROUGH:
WHO recommends for use malaria vaccine evaluated by Ifakara 💉The @WHO has officially recommended for use a new malaria vaccine that @ifakarahealth was involved in conducting its clinical trials from 2021-2022 to prevent malaria infections in children. The… pic.twitter.com/QpxhuapFff
— Ifakara Health Institute (@ifakarahealth) October 3, 2023
A fundamental distinction lies in the availability and cost of the vaccines. While only 18 million doses of RTS,S are available, the Serum Institute has committed to producing 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine initially, with a subsequent doubling of production in the following year. Moreover, the price of the Oxford vaccine is set to be considerably lower, aligning with the cost of other childhood vaccines commonly utilized across Africa.
This accessibility and affordability of the vaccine mark a significant achievement. Indeed, a vaccine’s potential to save lives is nullified if it remains inaccessible due to financial constraints. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s regional director for Africa, emphasized the potential of this second vaccine in bridging the demand-and-supply gap, offering a glimmer of hope to families in endemic regions who have witnessed the devastating impact of malaria on their children.
However, it’s important to note that the R21/Matrix-M vaccine requires a series of four shots, making it a more complex regimen. The first three shots are administered at monthly intervals, commencing at five months of age, and a booster shot is administered at two years old. This schedule poses challenges for families, necessitating multiple visits to clinics and potential disruptions to their daily routines.
Furthermore, the battle against malaria does not rest solely on this vaccine. It must be complemented by other crucial measures, such as the use of insecticide-impregnated bednets and the availability of effective malaria treatments. Artemisinin combination drugs, for instance, are essential for treating symptomatic individuals. Combining vaccination with these measures holds promise in the quest to eradicate seasonal malaria.
Recent years have witnessed an unfortunate rise in malaria cases, contributing to a sense of weariness among those in the fight against this disease. Factors such as the climate crisis, conflicts, and drug resistance have exacerbated the situation. Additionally, funding has often been a challenge due to the lack of definitive victories against malaria. The approval and funding of the Oxford/Serum Institute vaccine could potentially reinvigorate efforts to combat malaria, boosting morale and garnering increased financial support for this ongoing battle. While not a gamechanger, it represents a tangible step in the right direction, offering hope for a future where malaria is no longer a deadly threat to vulnerable populations.
