The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended today, Monday, the use of a second malaria vaccine to combat the mosquito-borne disease threatening human lives. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated at a press conference in Geneva: "Almost exactly two years ago, the WHO recommended the widespread use of the world's first malaria vaccine called RTS,S." He added: "Today, I am pleased to announce that the WHO recommends a second vaccine called R/21 Matrix-M for the prevention of malaria in children potentially at risk of the disease."
Tedros explained that "the vaccine was developed by the University of Oxford in the UK and will be rolled out in African countries in early 2024, with availability in other countries by mid-2024, adding that doses will cost between two and four dollars." He noted that "the WHO is now reviewing the vaccine for preliminary approval, which is the WHO's seal of approval, enabling the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and UNICEF to purchase the vaccine from manufacturers."
Tedros also mentioned that "the organization has recommended the Takeda pharmaceutical company's Qdenga vaccine for dengue fever for children aged six to 16 living in areas where the infection poses a significant public health concern." The Serum Institute of India produces the R/21 Matrix-M vaccine in large quantities using the Matrix-M adjuvant from Novavax.
