“THE WAR AGAINST MALARIA” VICTORY IN SIGHT

The malaria causing  anophelese mosquito, small in appearance but big enough to cause panic and death. The war against malaria continues and victory is at sight.

Another anopheles mosquito trying to inject the malaria parasite. The vaccine in trial is the tool against this dreadful insect which has been causing malaria illness and deaths among children and adults.

 THE WAR AGAINST MALARIA

The “World Malaria Day” was observed in Tanzania today with a happy breaking news that the Malaria Vaccination Trials had reached towards the path of success.

Doctors, Scientists, Research Scholars  and  Administrators working as a large team for the last three to four years have arrived at an important milestone for malaria prevention and hence reduction in child mortality caused by malaria. The vaccination is described as an additional tool in the war against malaria.

Final results from Phase III Malaria Vaccine RTS,S trial has suggested that substantial public health benefits could be provided in endemic regions in Sub Saharan Africa. 

A joint Press release issued by National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) stated that the vaccine includes the impact of a booster dose. The press release also indicated that the vaccine candidates helped protect children and infants from clinical malaria for at least three years after vaccination.

A Senior Doctor  at the IHI, Dr. Ali Mtoro said his institute was  extremely encouraged with the positive results which point to continued and significant public health benefit for children whose lives are disrupted by malaria disease.

Prof. John Lusingu, a Principal investigator in the trial of the vaccine at NIMR in Korogwe site said that the vaccine could have a real impact on this terrible disease which effects many children during their first years in life.

The  Vice President of Product Development at PATH, Dr. David Kaslow  paid tribute to the thousands of African families and hundreds of scientists, clinicians and health professionals who have made commitments for many years to this trial vaccine.

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) has ultra modern clinic with sophisticated research and laboratory facilities at Bagamoyo. The well maintained center with highly qualified staff, is still in expansion stages at Kingani which was a farm land with cashew trees, palm trees and mango trees.

Eleven research centres in seven African countries, including Tanzania, conducted the efficacy and safety trial of the vaccine. Other supporting partners and research institutions included GSK and PATH malaria vaccine initiative MVI with grant funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to MVI. The trials started in March 2009 and concluded in January 2014 and enrolled 15,459 participants.

STORY: ABDUL HAI