Why in the News?

The WHO has given its thumbs-up to the R21 vaccine, the second malaria vaccine they've recommended, following the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine, which got their approval in 2021. Right now, the WHO is closely examining this vaccine for prequalification, which is like their gold seal of approval. Once it's prequalified, organizations like GAVI (a global vaccine alliance) and UNICEF can purchase the vaccine from the manufacturers.

About the R21/Matrix-M Vaccine:

• It's a new vaccine designed to protect children from malaria.
• The University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India developed it, with support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
• This vaccine is a game-changer as it's the first one to meet the WHO's target of 75% effectiveness.
• Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria have already given the green light for its use.
• In early 2024, these African countries will start administering the vaccine, and by mid-2024, it will be available in other countries too.