Malaria vaccines are a crucial development in the fight against malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
The most notable malaria vaccine is RTS,S/AS01 (brand name Mosquirix), is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in children in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission.
RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix)** is approved for use in several African countries.
It targets the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is the most dangerous of the malaria parasites.
The vaccine can significantly reduce malaria cases and severe malaria in young children.
Other malaria vaccines are currently in various stages of research and development, including:
– R21/Matrix-M, which has shown promising results in trials and has received attention for its efficacy. -Whole parasite and mRNA vaccine candidates.
Vaccine efficacy may wane over time, and requires booster doses.
Complementary measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying, and antimalarial medications, remain essential for controlling malaria transmission.P