• Malaria Vaccine Breakthrough: 90% Efficacy Achieved, Global Initiatives Gaining Momentum

  • Mar 31 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Malaria Vaccine Breakthrough: 90% Efficacy Achieved, Global Initiatives Gaining Momentum

Listen for free

View show details

  • Summary

  • In the ongoing battle against malaria, several recent developments have marked significant milestones, particularly in the realm of vaccine development and global health initiatives.

    One of the most promising updates comes from a new study released just days ago, highlighting the efficacy of a novel malaria vaccine, PfSPZ-LARC2. Developed by researchers from Sanaria and the Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, this single-dose vaccine has demonstrated a remarkable 90% protection against controlled human malaria infection. This breakthrough is achieved through advanced genetic engineering, where two key parasite genes, *Mei2* and *LINUP*, are deleted to prevent the parasites from progressing beyond the liver stage, thus ensuring the vaccine recipients remain safe and symptom-free[4].

    This new vaccine builds on the progress made with existing malaria vaccines. As of now, two malaria vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, are recommended for use in children living in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission. These vaccines, while effective, offer a reduction in uncomplicated malaria by about 40%, severe malaria by 30%, and all-cause mortality by 13%. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in October 2021, followed by the R21/Matrix-M vaccine in 2023, marking significant steps in the fight against malaria[2][4].

    Global health leaders continue to emphasize the importance of sustained funding and unified efforts to combat malaria. At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, African leaders urged immediate action to prevent the catastrophic impact of reduced malaria funding, warning that a reduced Global Fund replenishment could lead to 137.2 million more malaria cases and 337,000 additional deaths[1].

    In addition to vaccine advancements, various regional initiatives are gaining momentum. The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) has been instrumental in promoting malaria prevention and treatment, with recent initiatives including the establishment of youth corps in South Sudan and Malawi to tackle the disease. ALMA also congratulated Egypt on its WHO malaria-free certification, highlighting the progress made in certain regions[1].

    Similarly, in the Asia Pacific region, the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) is driving efforts towards malaria elimination. Nepal is making strides towards achieving its 2030 goal of malaria elimination, and Cabo Verde was recently certified as malaria-free by the WHO. These achievements underscore the multi-faceted approach required to eliminate malaria, including innovative technologies, community engagement, and robust health policies[3].

    As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges of malaria, these recent developments offer a beacon of hope. With ongoing research, increased funding commitments, and collaborative efforts, the goal of a malaria-free world seems more achievable than ever.
    Show More Show Less
Show More Show Less

What listeners say about Malaria Vaccine Breakthrough: 90% Efficacy Achieved, Global Initiatives Gaining Momentum

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available