The R21 malaria vaccine has been prequalified by the World Health Organisation, offering a cost-effective solution for combating malaria in Africa, according to a study published by 1Day Africa, a global non-profit.
The report highlighted that the vaccine’s cost-effectiveness rivals that of insecticide-treated bed nets, long considered a gold standard in malaria prevention.
“The R21 vaccine is priced at $39 per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted, nearly matching the $38 cost of bed nets,” the report obtained on Friday stated.
By comparison, the RTS vaccine costs $129 per DALY, making R21 a more viable option for widespread deployment in low- and middle-income countries.
Produced by the Serum Institute of India, the R21 vaccine benefits from streamlined production processes, resulting in lower costs.
Researchers argue that integrating the vaccine with other interventions, such as seasonal chemoprevention and vector control measures, could dramatically reduce malaria incidence across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Malaria continues to be a major public health challenge, with 95 per cent of global cases reported in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022.
“The introduction of R21 could significantly alter the trajectory of malaria control efforts, particularly in regions grappling with growing resistance to existing tools,” the study emphasised.
The report also calls for sustained investment in malaria research and innovation to ensure that new interventions like R21 are effectively integrated into broader public health strategies.
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