The new malaria vaccine will prevent many deaths – but it’s by no means the end of the disease
GuardianSep 29, 2023
Malaria Vaccine Debuts in Africa
Above: Anopheles gambiae. Malaria vector, parasite. Image copyright: Smith Collection/Gado/Contributor/Archive Photos via Getty Images
The Facts
"A monumental milestone" in the battle against malaria was set Monday with the rollout of the "R21/Matrix-M" vaccine in the West African nation of the Ivory Coast.
Co-developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, the vaccine is targeted to immunize around 6.6M children in 15 African nations from 2024-25.
The Spin
Narrative A
R21/Matrix-M promises to significantly advance efforts to eradicate malaria. Meeting the WHO’s 75% efficacy target, the vaccine is a ground-breaking achievement. At under $4 per dose, it's extremely affordable. The vaccine targets malaria pathogens early and induces a strong immune response — potentially cutting annual deaths from 500K to 200K this decade and eliminating the disease by the next.
Narrative B
R21/Matrix-M is not a cure-all. It offers up to 75% protection in trials, but real-world effectiveness may be lower, especially in impoverished regions. While it may be vital, this vaccine alone won't end malaria. Challenges include the need for multiple doses, potential difficulties in maintaining vaccination schedules, and reliance on other measures like bed nets and effective treatments. Battling malaria requires a consistent, multi-front offensive.