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Graphic shows countries with malaria cases in 2020, and global malaria trends.
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HEALTH

UN endorses world’s first malaria vaccine

October 7, 2021 - The World Health Organisation has endorsed the world’s first malaria vaccine and said it should be given to children across Africa in the hope that it will spur stalled efforts to curb the spread of the parasitic disease.

WHO said its decision was based largely on results from ongoing research in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that tracked more than 800,000 children who have received the vaccine since 2019.

The vaccine, known as Mosquirix, was developed by GlaxoSmithKline in 1987. While it’s the first to be authorised, it does face challenges: The vaccine is only about 30 percent effective, it requires up to four doses, and its protection fades after several months.

Still, scientists say the vaccine could have a major impact against malaria in Africa, home to most of the world’s more than 200 million cases and 400,000 deaths per year.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 07/10/2021; STORY: Graphic News
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