MALARIA is a very dangerous disease, which particularly affects people in Africa and causes many deaths.
But in recent years two vaccines have been developed that can protect people against this deadly disease – and scientists believe it will make a big difference in the fight against malaria.
MOSQUIRIX VACCINE
This vaccine targets the parasite (see Word of the Week) that causes most malaria cases and was the first vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the trials for the vaccine (before it was approved), children under five received three doses via injections. A year later they received a booster shot to strengthen the effect of the vaccine. The malaria cases among these children decreased by 40%.
However, the vaccine became much less effective after about four years and is now being tested in three African countries before it’s rolled out.
MATRIX-M VACCINE
This vaccine was approved for trials
