Unexplained fever? Malaria might be a possible diagnosis regardless of travel history, says CDC
FOX NewsMAR 14 2023
"A monumental milestone" in the battle against malaria was set Monday with the rollout of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine in the West African nation of Cote d'Ivoire.
Co-developed by the University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India, the vaccine is set immunize around 6.6M children in 15 African nations over 2024-25.
R21/Matrix-M, which costs less than $4 per dose, is the second such vaccine. RTS,S, launched earlier this, costs twice as much and faces manufacturing hurdles.
R21/Matrix-M is not a cure-all. It offers up to 75% protection in trials, but real-world effectiveness may be lower, especially in impoverished regions. While it may be vital, this vaccine alone won't end malaria. Challenges include the need for multiple doses, potential difficulties in maintaining vaccination schedules, and reliance on other measures like bed-nets and effective treatments. We must remain cautious and continue comprehensive efforts to combat malaria.