LONDON – Researchers and health professionals have been celebrating after the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved the widespread use of the world’s first malaria vaccine.With more than 260, 000 children under five dying from malaria each year in sub-Saharan Africa, this development, decades in the making, could save tens of thousands of lives, the WHO says.But when will people start benefitting from the vaccine known as RTS,S?We have been looking at that and some other key questions.How effective and safe is it?The vaccine was proven effective six years ago, preventing 40 percent of malaria cases and 30 percent of severe cases.Since 2019, researchers have been carrying out wider pilot immunisation programmes in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.More than 800, 000 children have received at least one dose and the WHO says there are no safety concerns.Does it matter that the protection is relatively low?It would obviously be better if it was higher, but what many would […]
Malaria vaccine: When will it be available?Children in Malawi, pictured here, as well as Ghana and Kenya were part of a pilot programme.
