WHO Approves Affordable and Effective Malaria Vaccine

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the widespread use of a highly effective malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine is the second malaria vaccine to receive WHO approval and the first to meet the organization's target of 75% efficacy. Malaria claims half a million lives annually, primarily affecting children under five and pregnant women. The new vaccine, which is cheaper and more effective than the previously approved RTS,S vaccine, has the potential to close the demand-and-supply gap. However, experts caution that the vaccine should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures, as malaria elimination requires a multi-faceted approach.