R21/MATRIX-M VACCINE

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Picture Courtesy: economictimes

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a second anti-malaria vaccine for children, known as the R21/Matrix-M vaccine.

R21/Matrix-M vaccine

• R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, is seen as a significant milestone in the fight against malaria, particularly in Africa, where the disease is a major health concern. This approval follows the previous recommendation of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine for malaria prevention.
  • Both vaccines are considered safe and effective in preventing malaria in children and are expected to have a significant public health impact.
• The approval of the R21 vaccine is expected to help address the demand-and-supply gap for malaria vaccines, as the supply of the RTS,S vaccine has been limited. This means that more children can potentially benefit from malaria vaccination.
• The R21 vaccine is planned to be rolled out in several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria, in early 2024. It will become available in mid-2024 in other countries, and the cost per dose is expected to range between $2 and $4.
• The R21 vaccine is currently under review by WHO for prequalification. Once it receives WHO approval, organizations like GAVI and UNICEF will be able to purchase the vaccine from manufacturers.
• The WHO's recommendations for these vaccines are based on the advice of two expert groups: the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group.

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MALARIA: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/malaria-2