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First Malaria vaccine approved by WHO


First Malaria vaccine approved by WHO

The world has gained a new weapon in the war on malaria, among the oldest known and deadliest of infectious diseases: the first vaccine shown to help prevent the disease. By one estimate, it will save tens of thousands of children each year.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday (Oct 6) endorsed the vaccine, the first step in a process that should lead to wide distribution in poor countries.

Malaria has been one of the biggest scourges on humanity for millennia and mostly kills babies and infants.

Having a vaccine – after more than a century of trying – is among medicine's greatest achievements.

The vaccine – called RTS,S – was proven effective six years ago.

Now, after the success of pilot immunisation programmes in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, the WHO says the vaccine should be rolled out across sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, said it was "a historic moment".

The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and malaria control, he said. “[It] could save tens of thousands of young lives each year.”

To have a malaria vaccine that is safe, moderately effective and ready for distribution is “a historic event,” said Dr. Pedro Alonso, director of the WHO’s global malaria program.

(Compiled)

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