When administered Mosquirix to a child, the immune system recognises the 'foreign' proteins from the parasite and makes antibodies against them.
The world's first malaria vaccine RTS,S also known by the brand name Mosquirix has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The mosquito-borne disease kills more than 400,000 people a year, mostly African children. The Mosquirix vaccine is developed by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline.
"This is a vaccine developed in Africa by African scientists and we're very proud," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The pilot program was deployed in 2019 in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi in which more than two million doses were given of the vaccine.
Every two minutes, a child dies of malaria in the African continent. The vaccine was first made by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline in 1987.
About Mosquirix
Mosquirix is a vaccine for children aged 6 weeks to 17 months to help protect against malaria.
Mosquirix vaccine also helps protect against infection of the liver with the hepatitis B virus.
But European Medicines Agency warns that the vaccine should not be used only for this purpose.
The vaccine was developed by GlaxoSmithKline in 1987. However, it does face challenges.
Mosquirix vaccine requires up to four doses, and its protection fades after several months.
Still, scientists are of the belief that the vaccine could have a major impact on malaria in Africa.
Since 2019, 2.3 million doses of Mosquirix have been administered to infants in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.
A fourth injection is recommended 18 months after the third. Mosquirix can only be obtained with a prescription.
The active substance in Mosquirix is made up of proteins found on the surface of the Plasmodium falciparum parasites.
When administered to a child, the immune system recognizes the 'foreign' proteins from the parasite and makes antibodies against them.
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 "World's first malaria vaccine approved by WHO")
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