The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a recommendation for the use of an affordable malaria vaccine that can be made on a large scale. This vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford, marks a significant milestone in the fight against malaria, which predominantly affects infants and babies and has long been a global health challenge.

Notably, this vaccine is only the second of its kind to be created. There are already agreements in place to manufacture over 100 million doses annually, providing optimism for broad availability and effectiveness.

Developing an effective malaria vaccine has been a century-long scientific endeavor due to the complexity of the malaria parasite, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. In contrast to viruses, the malaria parasite undergoes constant transformations within the human body, creating challenges for both the immune system’s response and the vaccine development process.

Nearly two years ago, the World Health Organization endorsed the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S, developed by GSK. The newly recommended vaccine, called R21, is considered a crucial inclusion in the malaria prevention arsenal and possesses the capability for extensive production. The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, is positioned to produce more than 100 million doses each year, with intentions to expand production to 200 million doses. In contrast, the existing supply of RTS,S amounts to only 18 million doses.

The cost-effectiveness of the R21 vaccine is a significant advantage, as each dose ranges from $2 to $4, with four doses required per person—approximately half the price of RTS,S.

In 2021, there were 247 million cases of malaria, resulting in 619,000 deaths, with a predominant number of victims being children under five years of age. Africa accounts for more than 95% of reported malaria cases.

Data, although not yet peer-reviewed, showcase that the R21 vaccine is 75% effective in regions where malaria is seasonal, aligning with the efficacy of the first vaccine, RTS,S, in similar areas. The challenge remains in areas with year-round malaria transmission, where vaccine efficacy tends to be lower.

The promise of this vaccine in potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives annually brings a ray of hope to the ongoing battle against this lethal disease. Nevertheless, it is crucial to escalate global funding and prevention initiatives for malaria to effectively combat this persistent health crisis, particularly considering the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria-related fatalities. Strengthening our commitment to eradicating malaria is crucial to maximizing the life-saving potential of this breakthrough.