Monsurat
Ghana has become the first country to approve a new malaria vaccine called R21, which was developed by University of Oxford and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
Scientists describe the vaccine as a “world changer.” The vaccine is reportedly immensely effective as compared to previous ventures in the same field.
According to Sahara reporters, this marks a critical step towards reducing over half a million malaria-related deaths annually. Report says Ghana’s drug regulators have evaluated the final trial data on the vaccine’s safety and effectives.
Although the vaccine is not yet made public, Ghana’s Food and Drug Authority have licensed its use in children aged between five months to three years old, reports BBC. The report also stated that the World Health Organization is considering approving the vaccine.
Other African countries are also studying the data as regards the vaccine. Director of the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford Prof. Adrian Hill said in BBC’s report “We expect R21 to make major impact on malaria mortality in children in the coming years, and in the longer term [it] will contribute to overall final goal of malaria eradication and elimination.”
The Serum Institute of India is reportedly preparing to produce between 100-200 million doses per year, with a vaccine factory being constructed in Accra, Ghana. Each dose, according to the report by BBC, is expected to cost a couple of dollars.
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