R21/Matrix-M Vaccine

04.10.2023

R21/Matrix-M Vaccine , Daily Current Affairs , RACE IAS : Best IAS Coaching in Lucknow 

Why in the news?

Recently, in view of the increasing cases of malaria in children, WHO has recommended R21 Matrix M Vaccine.

Important point:

• The R21 vaccine is the second vaccine recommended by WHO for malaria, after the RT-S/AS01 vaccine. It was declared effective by WHO in the year 2021.
• The United Nations health agency WHO has approved this vaccine on the advice of two expert groups.
• WHO is now reviewing the vaccine for prequalification, which is WHO's seal of approval, and will enable GAVI (a global vaccine alliance) and UNICEF to purchase the vaccine from the manufacturers.

About R21/Matrix-M Vaccine:

• This is a new vaccine approved for the prevention of malaria in children.
• The vaccine has been developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India with support from the Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust and the European Investment Bank ('EIB').
• It is the first malaria vaccine to reach WHO's 80% efficacy target.
• The vaccine was approved for use in Burkina Faso and Ghana earlier this year.
• The price of one dose of this vaccine will be around 2 to 4 dollars (160 to 320 rupees).
• This vaccine is expected to be available in early 2024.

What is Malaria?

• It is a deadly disease caused by parasites that is spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, pose the greatest threat.
• Malaria is common in tropical areas where there is heat and humidity.
• Children under 5 years of age are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria.
• As malaria gets worse, it can cause anemia and jaundice.
• The most severe form of malaria, which can progress to coma, is known as cerebral malaria. This type represents about 15% of deaths in children and about 20% of deaths in adults.

symptoms of malaria :

• The symptoms of malaria are similar to those of the flu. Which includes the following symptoms:
• Fever and sweating, chills, headache and muscle aches, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, and cough.

Treatment :

• It is preventable and treatable. With prompt treatment, most people with malaria will make a full recovery.

Some medicines are given in combination with other medicines. The type of parasite will determine the type of medication.