The New Vaccine For Malaria

Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases in the world caused by a plasmodium parasite and is transmitted by the bite of infected (Anopheles) mosquitoes. According to the report given by WHO, 219 million cases of malaria were estimated in 87 countries in 2017. African countries top the list as the poverty and lack of sanitation accelerates the disease’s growth. With rising number of death tolls, it has become important to develop new efficient vaccines and treatments to control and eliminate the disease completely in the near future.

Mosquirix (RTS, S) the world’s first and the only vaccine which has been approved for use. It took more than three decades in its development and has passed previous scientific testing including trials on 15,000 people in seven countries. This vaccine can help reduce death toll especially among the children. However, WHO did not recommend the routine use of this vaccine in infants due to its low efficacy but it believes that it can be key to new to efficient tools. Malawi has become first of three African countries (others Ghana and Kenya) which launched the vaccine in April, 2019 in a landmark pilot program, where RTS, S will be made available to children up to 2 years of age. This pilot program intends on generating evidence to inform WHO on the wider use of the vaccine. The success of the trials can be seen as a huge achievement and a key to the more efficacious treatments. The vaccine is currently the most important tool to eradicate malaria partially if not completely. Experiments are still going on to improve the drugs ability and efficiency as it has worked magic upon only 30 to 40 percent of affected children and thus have a long way to go.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

WHO has been playing a crucial role in spreading awareness not only about malaria but other diseases too. It suggests various ways and steps to prevent them. It is important to know that no one can help you until you don’t help yourself first. As an individual we should be aware about our environment considering the time of the year and surroundings which are most likely to be problematic. Apart from vaccines proper measures at personal level must be taken to avoid mosquito bites.

Note that female Anopheles only bite at night so this is when precautions must be taken. Use of insect repellents, mosquito nets and insecticides must be considered. Government and public health department in every country must work actively to reach out to poor families which are more vulnerable to such diseases and are economically unfit to afford these products. Clean and sanitary surroundings must be necessitated to prevent mosquito growth. People must be aware of its symptoms so they can consult doctors in the early stage. Prevention is always better than cure.