Time: 2024-07-16
Health workers in Ivory Coast initiated a regional campaign on Monday to administer the latest Malaria vaccine to children . The country has taken the lead in rolling out the R21 / Matrix - M vaccine , developed by Oxford University , with the goal of vaccinating approximately 250,000 children under two years of age . The new vaccine , authorized by the World Health Organization in October , has shown to be over 75 % effective in preventing severe disease and death within the first year , with extended protection after a booster shot.
The Serum Institute Of India has already produced 25 million doses of the Oxford vaccine , with plans to manufacture at least 100 million doses annually at a cost of about per dose . This cost - effective vaccine is a significant step in addressing the high burden of malaria cases in Africa , where over 94 % of the world 's cases and deaths occur . With the support from Gavi vaccine alliance , countries like the Central African Republic , Chad , and South Sudan have also received supplies of the Oxford - developed shot.
The R21 vaccine , alongside the RTS , S vaccine , has the potential to save up to 500,000 child deaths annually , as estimated by the World Health Organization . This new vaccine , with an efficacy rate of around 75%-80 % in young children , is a crucial addition to malaria control efforts , especially in regions heavily affected by the disease . The widespread implementation of these vaccines , coupled with other prevention strategies like insecticide spraying and bed nets , is essential in combating malaria.
The vaccination campaign is not only limited to Ivory Coast but has also been extended to Ghana , Nigeria , Burkina Faso , and the Central African Republic . With a focus on children under two years of age , the initiative aims to reduce the number of deaths caused by malaria significantly . The partnership between the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India highlights the collaborative efforts to make the vaccine accessible and affordable in regions most impacted by malaria.
The introduction of the R21 vaccine marks a major milestone in the battle against malaria , with experts emphasizing the importance of combining vaccination efforts with other preventive measures to effectively control the spread of the disease . With the commitment from various organizations and health authorities , the hope is to make the malaria vaccine available to all countries in Africa that wish to utilize it . The ongoing efforts to distribute millions of doses of the vaccine require training and coordination within low - income countries to ensure successful implementation and impact on public health.
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