Africa: 'We Are at a Critical Point in the Fight Against Malaria' #WorldMalariaDay

Gavi calls malaria vaccine rollout in Africa the fastest in its history, with 25 countries now immunizing routinely and early data showing lives saved. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Africa: 'We Are at a Critical Point in the Fight Against Malaria' #WorldMalariaDay

Contesto

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has hailed the rollout of malaria vaccines across Africa as the fastest in its history, marking what it calls a critical turning point in the fight against one of the continent’s deadliest diseases. Twenty-five African countries have now introduced the vaccine into their routine immunization programs with Gavi’s support, and early reports indicate the initiative is already saving lives, reducing severe illness, and easing pressure on hospitals. The speed of the rollout is unprecedented for Gavi, which has overseen vaccine introductions for decades. Malaria kills more than 600,000 people globally each year, the vast majority of them children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine, known as RTS,S or Mosquirix, was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and has been in development for more than 30 years. After pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi showed that the vaccine could reduce severe malaria cases and deaths, Gavi accelerated its broader distribution. The decision to incorporate the malaria vaccine into routine immunization marks a shift from the traditional approach of relying solely on bed nets, insecticides, and antimalarial drugs. Health officials say the vaccine, while not a standalone solution, provides a crucial additional layer of protection. Early data from the pilot countries showed a 30 percent reduction in severe malaria cases and a 13 percent drop in overall child mortality, figures that prompted Gavi and the World Health Organization to push for rapid expansion. The challenge now is sustaining the momentum. Each of the 25 countries must manage cold-chain logistics, train health workers, and ensure that the four-dose schedule reaches children in remote areas. Funding also remains a concern: Gavi has secured initial financing, but long-term commitments from donors and national governments will be needed to maintain the program. The vaccine’s cost, while lower than many other childhood vaccines, still represents a significant expense for cash-strapped health ministries. Despite these hurdles, the early results have energized the global health community. In interviews, Gavi officials emphasized that the vaccine is...

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Categoria: cronaca