UN authorizes a second malaria vaccine. Experts warn it's not enough to stop the disease spreading

Source: Associated Press

UN authorizes a second malaria vaccine. Experts warn it’s not enough to stop the disease spreading

BY MARIA CHENG
Updated 10:22 AM EDT, October 2, 2023

LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization authorized a second malaria vaccine on Monday, a decision that could offer countries a cheaper and a more readily available option than the world’s first shot against the parasitic disease.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the U.N. health agency was approving the new malaria vaccine based on the advice of two expert groups, recommending its use in children at risk of the disease.

“As a malaria researcher, I used to dream of the day we would have a safe and effective vaccine against malaria. Now we have two,” Tedros said.

Oxford University developed the new three-dose vaccine with help from the Serum Institute of India. Research suggests it is more than 75% effective and that protection is maintained for at least another year with a booster. Tedros said the shot would cost about $2 to $4 and could be available in some countries next year if funders agree to buy it.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/malaria-vaccine-oxford-who-f2dbc55cb7f92f82af52f7898a8260d0