Squashing malaria could save as many lives as covid-19 has taken
A jab that protects against the mosquito-borne killer is arriving at last
W HEN IT COMES to covid-19 vaccines, poor countries in Africa have been stuck at the back of the queue. However, the continent’s long wait for another immunological miracle appears to be drawing to a close. Later this year, the world’s first malaria vaccine is scheduled for a roll-out. Although the current version leaves much to be desired—it requires four doses, is hard to manufacture at scale and reduces severe infections by a mere 30%—better alternatives may be on the way. A jab developed by scientists at Oxford has shown 77% effectiveness. If clinical trials go well, they aim to apply for pre-qualification from the World Health Organisation in September. Production at a rate of up to 200m doses per year could follow swiftly.
This article appeared in the Graphic detail section of the print edition under the headline “Another vaccine victory?”
From the March 19th 2022 edition
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