Ten questions that 2024 might answer: Part 2
Babies, crypto, anti-social media movement, aliens and malaria vaccines
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6. Will vaccines finally end malaria’s deadly grip?
Malaria is one of the most deadly diseases. As the map shows, it is concentrated in West and Central Africa. It affects primarily kids under five years of age. In Ghana, for example, 255 kids under five per 100,000 die of malaria every year, compared to 68 per 100,000 across all age categories. And, as recently reported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it might be getting worse. Combating malaria is one of the most important health interventions of our time.
But it won’t be easy. Mosquitoes are increasingly insecticide-resistant. Climate change attracts them to new areas, including urban environments. Their adaptivity increases concerns about their reemergence in areas previously free from malaria.
Vaccines offer an alternative to bednets. The first vaccine to get regulatory approval, Mosquirix, targets the deadliest malaria parasite and has been somewhat successful. It’s shown to reduce malaria cases by about 30-50% in young children, which is a significant step forward. However, it doesn’t completely prevent the disease and works best alongside other measures like mosquito nets and medication.
Another vaccine still in development, R21/Matrix-M, shows even more promise in early trials. Developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, it targets the initial form of the malaria parasite, potentially reducing malaria cases by over 70% with an extra booster dose. The WHO is currently evaluating the vaccine for wider use, with the possibility of rapid rollout across Africa if approved, and plans are in place for local production in Ghana to meet demand and enhance access.
Ultimately, though, the issue may not be medical but behavioural. Widespread vaccine hesitancy in Africa could significantly undermine vaccination efforts, reducing immunity coverage and leading to higher disease transmission, straining healthcare systems. Tackling this issue requires dedicated strategies to combat misinformation and build public trust in health initiatives, which is, as always, easier said than done.
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