The World Health Organization (WHO) has given green light for the wide use of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, Mosquirix™, following a successful pilot implementation programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.
Victories against the parasite
On 6 October, WHO announced its endorsement of the world’s first malaria vaccine to be used by children across Africa, and like many malaria-endemic countries in the world, the announcement was received with extreme excitement in Ghana.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death in Ghana, with many victims being children under the age of five. Of the nearly one million confirmed cases in 2019, children under age five alone made up over 30% of the number.
Ghana is looking to eliminate malaria by 2030, and according to the manager of its malaria control programme, Kezia Malm, the introduction of the vaccine will speed up the process.
“This is great news
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