Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Live Mint
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which was jointly developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India.
Key points about this development:
- The recommendation is based on pre-clinical and clinical trial data showing good safety and high efficacy in four countries with both seasonal and perennial malaria transmission.
- Malaria is a disease that claims the lives of over half a million people each year, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine will compete with the RTS,S shot by GSK Plc, which was recommended by the United Nations agency in 2021 and is sold under the brand name Mosquirix
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite that is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include Fever, Fatigue, Vomiting, Headaches, and Shaking chills.
Malaria remains a major global health issue, causing over 600,000 deaths annually, with a significant number of victims being children in Africa.
