This week's good news includes Cameroon rolling out a historic malaria vaccine, Scotland seeing no cases of cervical cancer in vaccinated women, promising trends in renewable energy, habitat-friendly solar farms benefiting insect populations, New York City erasing billions in medical debt, UK banning drip pricing and fake reviews, a blood test for early Alzheimer's detection, a study showing that 15 minutes of extra physical activity can mitigate the harm of desk jobs, and a therapeutic program for children showing positive results.
Cameroon becomes the first country to launch a routine immunization program for children against malaria, with the goal of vaccinating about 250,000 children this year and next. The vaccine, known as Mosquirix, is about 30% effective and requires four doses, but is expected to significantly reduce severe infections and hospitalizations. The country's efforts are supported by the Gavi vaccines alliance, and it is hoped that other African countries will also immunize millions of children by 2025. While the vaccine is a milestone in the fight against malaria, other tools such as bed nets and insecticidal spraying will still be crucial in curbing the spread of the disease.
Cameroon has launched the world's first routine immunization program against malaria for children, aiming to vaccinate about 250,000 children this year and next year. The country will use the Mosquirix vaccine, which is about 30% effective and requires four doses. The World Health Organization endorsed the vaccine two years ago, and Gavi is working with 20 other African countries to help them secure the shots. The campaign is seen as a significant milestone in the effort to combat malaria in Africa, where the disease accounts for 95% of the world's malaria deaths.
Cameroon has launched the world's first major malaria vaccine program for children, using the RTS.S vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline. The vaccine is meant to work with other preventive measures to fight the disease, and the country aims to vaccinate about 250,000 children this year and next. The campaign is seen as a major step in the fight against malaria in Africa, where the disease accounts for about 95 percent of the world's malaria deaths. The World Health Organization has approved two malaria vaccines, with hopes that their use could sharply reduce severe infections and hospitalizations.
An undiagnosed pneumonia outbreak in China is affecting children, overwhelming pediatric hospitals in multiple locations. The outbreak, which has led to school cancellations and illnesses in teachers, is suspected to be caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Meanwhile, a study reveals that a chlorine-based cleaner used in UK hospitals is ineffective against Clostridioides difficile bacteria, highlighting the need to review current disinfection guidelines. In Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) is shifting from pilot programs to routine use of the malaria vaccine RTS,S, with shipments arriving in Cameroon and plans for delivery to other countries. However, a study finds that children have been largely left out of US trials for COVID-19 treatments, despite accounting for 18% of infections. Lastly, the maker of Mucinex has launched a campaign to raise awareness about antibiotic misuse and promote the use of over-the-counter medications for cold and flu symptoms instead.
This week's good news includes the approval of a second malaria vaccine by the WHO, the release of thousands of oysters to protect their declining population, the announcement of Nobel Prize winners in science and literature, the recognition of environmental champions in the world of sports, the arrival of the world's first "green container ship" powered by methanol made from food scraps, the successful reintroduction of beavers in London after 400 years, the first-ever fine for space junk, the approval of a hybrid timber skyscraper in Australia, the discovery of disease-resistant coral reefs, and an increase in the UK's national living wage for low-paid workers.
Novavax's Matrix-M adjuvant, licensed to the Serum Institute of India (SII), is a key ingredient in the second-ever malaria vaccine endorsed by the World Health Organization. The vaccine, called R21/Matrix-M, will help address the high demand for malaria vaccines in Africa. SII, the world's largest vaccine producer, is already producing doses and plans to scale up to 200 million doses over the next two years. The Serum Institute has also partnered with Aspen Pharmacare to produce multiple vaccines in Africa, contributing to the continent's self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing.
Twelve African countries will receive a total of 18 million doses of the first-ever malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, over the next two years. The allocation is based on the highest need and will enable countries to continue vaccinations in pilot areas and introduce the vaccine into routine immunization programs. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective, reducing severe malaria and child deaths. Malaria remains a leading cause of death in Africa, with nearly half a million children under the age of 5 dying from the disease each year. The demand for malaria vaccines is expected to increase in the coming years.
