WHO Recommends R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine for Children’s Prevention
Geneva, October 3, 2023 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a groundbreaking recommendation for the R21/Matrix-M vaccine as a vital tool in the prevention of malaria in children. This recommendation comes following the consensus reached by the WHO: Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG).
New Malaria Vaccine Shows Remarkable Efficacy in Clinical Trials
The malaria vaccine has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, bringing new hope to the battle against this deadly disease. The vaccine, known as R21/Matrix-M, has the potential to be a game-changer in malaria prevention, particularly in regions where the disease takes a heavy toll on human lives.
A Growing Health Crisis
Malaria, a mosquito-borne parasitic infection, remains a major global health threat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria and 627,000 malaria-related deaths worldwide. The majority of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, with children under the age of five being the most vulnerable.
The Promising R21/Matrix-M Vaccine
The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in collaboration with PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), has shown exceptional promise in clinical trials. Here are some key highlights:
- High Efficacy: In areas with seasonal malaria transmission, the vaccine reduced symptomatic cases of malaria by an astounding 75% during the 12 months following a 3-dose series. A fourth dose given a year after the third maintained this high efficacy. This level of effectiveness is comparable to the existing RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine.
- Versatile Protection: The R21/Matrix-M vaccine also demonstrated good efficacy (66%) when administered in an age-based schedule, and a fourth dose after a year maintained its effectiveness. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of age groups and transmission settings.
- High Public Health Impact: Mathematical modeling suggests that the vaccine’s public health impact will be significant in various malaria transmission settings, including low transmission areas.
- Cost-Effective: With estimated prices ranging from US$2 to US$4 per dose, the R21/Matrix-M vaccine is cost-effective compared to other recommended malaria interventions and childhood vaccines.
- Safety: Extensive clinical trials have shown that the vaccine is safe for use, with no serious adverse effects reported.
The WHO’s recommendation for the R21/Matrix-M vaccine marks a significant step forward in the fight against malaria. The next steps include completing WHO prequalification, enabling international procurement and a broader rollout.
At least 28 African countries have plans to introduce this WHO-recommended malaria vaccine as part of their national immunization programs. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has approved technical and financial support for the rollout of malaria vaccines in 18 countries. The RTS,S vaccine is set to be deployed in some African countries in early 2024, while the R21 malaria vaccine is expected to become available to countries in mid-2024.
The availability of these effective malaria vaccines holds the potential to save countless lives, reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and bring the world one step closer to a malaria-free future. As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, aptly put it, “Now we have two safe and effective vaccines against malaria.”
