By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, Mana: World Vision has hailed the endorsement of southern of the world’s first malaria vaccine in Africa, calling it a “historic breakthrough”.
World Vision Southern Africa leader recognising, Mark Kelly Friday said the recognising the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine known as Mosquirix is a historic milestone for the most vulnerable children across the region.
Malaria disproportionately affects the poor and most marginalised communities, as they are at high risk and have the least access to effective services.
Due to more vulnerable immune systems, under-5 children, pregnant women, and people living with HIV and AIDS are more susceptible to malaria.
“The development is historic for under-5 children, who die every day due to malaria; a preventable disease. The vaccine could save thousands of children’s lives every year in Southern Africa,” he said.
The child-focused organisation is following through on its commitment to fight malaria until it is defeated.
In August 2021, Government hailed World Vision’s support in the fight against malaria, as the organisation has safeguarded nearly 2 million people from the disease in Mangochi, Balaka and Nkhata Bay districts through an Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) project.
The IRS project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, through funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
“We appeal for widespread availability for the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine particularly among communities with the most vulnerable children in the region after the successful pilot programme in three African countries,” Kelly added.
Malaria is a major public health problem in the country, with an estimated 6 million cases recorded annually.
For children under five years of age and pregnant women, it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Currently, malaria accounts for over 30 percent of outpatient visits and 34 percent of in-patients (HMIS 2018).
The Government has already rolled out a plan that integrates the malaria vaccine with other vector control methods.
“We commend government for including the malaria vaccine amongst the key vaccines to be administered to children in the upcoming operations. Across the country, malaria slows down social and economic development. If we are to uplift people’s lives, it is imperative that we must do all we can to end malaria,” World Vision’s National Director for Malawi, Francis Dube said.
He added that World Vision would work hand in hand with its key partners, including traditional and faith leaders, to promote acceptance and uptake of the vaccine.
World Vision works to protect families from malaria infections especially among pregnant women and under-5 children by providing long-lasting insecticide treated nets.
It works to strengthen health systems to make sure families have access to proper key messages, diagnosis, treatment and care.
Over the years, there has been a decline in the incidence of malaria in the country, from 386 cases per 1000 population in 2016 to 286 per 100 in 2019, as well as a 43 percent reduction in the rate of mortality between 2015 and 2019.
This decline is aligned with the government’s efforts to eradicate malaria in the country by 2030, through the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” campaign.