The new malaria vaccine, also known as RTS,S or by its brand name Mosquirix, was developed by GlaxoSmithKline. On Oct. 6, the World Health Organization endorsed the RTS,S vaccine.
After decades of research, testing and development, the world may finally have a vaccine to turn the tide against malaria. The new malaria vaccine, also known as RTS,S or by its brand name Mosquirix, was developed by GlaxoSmithKline.
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by amoeba-like parasites of the Plasmodium genus. This serious and sometimes fatal disease is transmitted by mosquitoes that carry the parasites and infect humans after a blood meal. Malaria is common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It affects more than 100 countries, including large areas of South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
Malaria has long plagued humanity and despite significant medical advancements, it continues to take hundreds of thousands lives every year. In 2019, the World Health Organization estimated 229 million cases of malaria and around 409,000 deaths, with children under the age of five accounting for 67 percent of these deaths.
On Oct. 6, the WHO endorsed the RTS,S vaccine and recommended broad vaccination efforts for children in regions most affected by malaria. At a press briefing following the endorsement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked on this historic moment.