Daily Current Affairs : 3-October-2023
In a significant stride towards eradicating malaria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, developed collaboratively by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India. This commendation signifies a critical milestone in the global efforts to combat this life-threatening disease, providing new hope and possibilities for regions heavily burdened by malaria.
Understanding Malaria: A Persistent Threat to Humanity
Malaria Transmission and Parasite Species
Malaria, a deadly disease transmitted through infected mosquitoes, predominantly prevails in tropical countries. The plasmodium parasites, including P. falciparum and P. vivax, are responsible for its spread. P. falciparum, in particular, poses a significant threat, especially in Africa, where it is the most prevalent malaria parasite.
Symptoms and Impact
The disease manifests through symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue. The global impact of malaria is alarming, with millions of cases reported annually, leading to substantial mortality rates, especially in African nations like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Niger.
The Significance of the R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine
Development and Collaboration
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is a result of collaborative efforts between leading institutions and leverages Novavax’s adjuvant technology. Its recommendation by WHO highlights its adherence to stringent safety, quality, and effectiveness standards. This vaccine acts against the deadly P. falciparum parasite, offering a promising solution in the fight against malaria.
Global Implementation
Currently licensed for use in Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, the R21 vaccine’s endorsement signifies a step towards wider implementation, potentially reducing the disease’s impact in these regions significantly.
Global Initiatives and the Role of WHO and India
WHO’s Initiatives to Combat Malaria
The WHO’s strategic initiatives, such as the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 and the ‘E-2025 Initiative,’ aim to substantially reduce malaria cases and deaths globally. The High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) initiative, active in 11 malaria-affected countries, including India, reflects WHO’s commitment to combatting this disease.
India’s Malaria Control Initiatives
In India, the government has set a target to eliminate malaria by 2027. The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), launched in 2016, aligns with global strategies and emphasizes research and collaborative efforts. The Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India), established by the Indian Council of Medical Research, fosters partnerships and innovations in malaria control.
Important Points:
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, meeting stringent safety, quality, and effectiveness standards.
- The vaccine, which targets the deadliest malaria parasite P. falciparum, has been licensed for use in Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso, marking a significant advancement in malaria prevention.
- Malaria, transmitted through infected mosquitoes, predominantly affects tropical countries, with plasmodium parasites like P. falciparum and P. vivax causing the disease.
- Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue, contributing to the significant disease burden globally.
- According to the World Malaria Report, there were 247 million cases of malaria in 2021, resulting in 619,000 deaths, with African nations like Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, and Niger being most affected.
- WHO’s initiatives like the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 and the ‘E-2025 Initiative’ aim to reduce malaria cases and deaths significantly, with a particular focus on high-burden countries.
- India has set a goal to eliminate malaria by 2027 and has implemented the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) aligned with global strategies.
- The Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India) fosters partnerships and innovations in malaria control, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts.
- The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, acting against the deadly P. falciparum parasite, offers hope for regions heavily burdened by malaria, potentially reducing its impact significantly.
- The collective efforts of global organizations and individual nations, particularly India, signify a significant step forward in the fight against malaria, promising a healthier future for millions worldwide.
Why In News
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, meeting the required safety, quality, and effectiveness standards, has received a resounding endorsement from the World Health Organisation (WHO), paving the way for its widespread use in the global fight against malaria.”
MCQs about R21/Matrix-M: WHO-Recommended Malaria Vaccine Marks New Era in Global Health
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What is the primary target of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine recommended by WHO?
A. P. vivax
B. P. malariae
C. P. falciparum
D. P. ovale
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Which African country accounted for the highest percentage of malaria-related deaths according to the World Malaria Report?
A. Ghana
B. Nigeria
C. Tanzania
D. Congo
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What is the primary mode of malaria transmission ?
A. Infected food
B. Contaminated water
C. Infected mosquitoes
D. Direct human contact
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