『WHO Approves Second Malaria Vaccine R21 for African Children as Next-Generation Trials Show Promise』のカバーアート

WHO Approves Second Malaria Vaccine R21 for African Children as Next-Generation Trials Show Promise

WHO Approves Second Malaria Vaccine R21 for African Children as Next-Generation Trials Show Promise

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概要

 The World Health Organization has fully approved the rollout of the second malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, for children under five in high-endemic areas, two years after recommending the first, RTS,S/AS01. According to a February 24, 2026, broadcast by Nigeria's NTA and Global Malaria Network, this builds on pilots in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi that provided evidence for deployment starting in 2022.

Nigeria launched its R21 vaccine program in November 2024, targeting children under one year in high-burden states like Kebbi and Borno, supported by Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO. Integrated into routine immunization with a four-dose schedule, it aims to tackle the country's world-highest malaria burden. Officials emphasized it's a phased rollout, not a pilot, with initial one million doses distributed free via primary health centers for ages 5-11 months. Plans for 2026 include expanding to more states, though limited supply has delayed full national scale-up from earlier targets.

Meanwhile, cutting-edge trials for next-generation multi-stage vaccines advanced this week. The University of Oxford, Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro in Burkina Faso, and European Vaccine Initiative announced progress in two studies, as reported by euvaccine.eu and Oxford's Department of Paediatrics on February 23, 2026. Vaccinations began in September 2025 for Phase 1b trial VAC093, testing combinations of R21/Matrix-M with blood-stage candidates RH5.1 and R78C, all using Matrix-M adjuvant. After safety clearance, Phase 2b trial VAC087 started in December 2025, evaluating R78C alone and combos in children aged 5-36 months to assess safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum's liver and blood stages.

Professor Angela Minassian, chief investigator, noted current vaccines fall short of full protection, and these trials could prove multi-stage approaches extend immunity in at-risk kids, aiding elimination. Funded initially by EDCTP2 and Wellcome Trust, then EVI via German sources, the studies target vulnerable groups like young children and pregnant women.

Dr. Irene Nkumama of EVI hailed the collaboration as key to affordable vaccines. A separate WEHI study outlined immune responses to Plasmodium vivax, informing future shots. These developments signal accelerating momentum against malaria, which killed 610,000 in 2024 per a George W. Bush Institute update on February 24, down from 864,000 in 2000 thanks to innovations.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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