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A large-scale pilot project of what has been called the world's first malaria vaccine to provide partial protection for children started in Malawi.
The RTS, S vaccine causes the immune system to attack the malaria parasite, which is transmitted by mosquito bites.
Earlier, smaller trials showed that almost 40% of children aged 5 to 17 months who received it were protected.
Malaria cases seem to increase again after a decade of success in fighting this deadly disease.
"This is a pivotal moment for immunization, malaria control, and public health," Kate O'Brien, director of the Immunization & Vaccines Department, told the BBC. World Health Organization.
According to the most recent annual figures, malaria cases worldwide are no longer declining, raising concerns about its resurgence.
Malawi is the first of three countries selected for the pilot vaccine deployment project. It aims to vaccinate 120,000 children aged two and under. The other two countries, Ghana and Kenya, will introduce the vaccine in the coming weeks.
The three countries were chosen because they already have major malaria control programs, including the use of mosquito nets, while having a high number of cases.
What is the magnitude of the malaria problem?
Malaria kills an estimated 435,000 people worldwide each year, the majority of whom are children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most of these deaths occur in Africa, where more than 250,000 children die each year.
Dr. O & # 39; Brien said that malaria is "a very difficult disease to develop against a vaccine".
An early trial of the vaccine began in 2009.
"Seven countries participated in a large trial in which more than 15,000 children participated," said Dr. David Schellenberg, who works on vaccine development with the WHO, on the BBC's Newsday program.
"[The trial] has shown quite clearly that this vaccine is safe and effective in terms of the ability to prevent episodes of clinical malaria as well as episodes of severe malaria, "he said.
What difference will the vaccine make?
RTS, S is in the process of being created for more than three decades and was created by scientists of the pharmaceutical company GSK in 1987.
Years of testing supported by many organizations, including the Malaria Vaccine Initiative, and costing about $ 1 billion (770 million pounds), have led to this point.
Activists have long called for an effective way to fight malaria
The efficacy of nearly 40% is not high compared to vaccines against other diseases, but Dr. Schellenberg said that RTS, S would complement the already used preventive measures, such as mosquito nets and insecticides.
"Nobody suggests that it is a quick fix," said Dr. Schellenberg.
"It may not sound like much, but we are talking about a 40% reduction in severe malaria that, unfortunately, still has high mortality, even if you have good access to good treatment," he said. he adds.
Dr. O. Brien said the vaccine would last at least seven years and target infants because they are the most exposed.
The vaccine should be given four times – once a month for three months, then a fourth dose 18 months later.
Dr. Schellenberg admitted that mothers in some areas may find it difficult to take their children to clinics for all four doses.
This stage of the trial is expected to be completed by 2023, according to Path.
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