| Details | WHO Recommendation:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends both RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines for preventing malaria in children.
Effectiveness:
In clinical trials, these vaccines reduced malaria cases by more than half in the first year after vaccination, and a fourth dose extended protection. They have also been shown to reduce cases by 75% when given seasonally.
Target Population:
The vaccines are primarily targeted at children in malaria-endemic areas, particularly those under five years old, who are most vulnerable to severe illness and death from malaria.
Uganda's Rollout:
Uganda has launched an ambitious program to introduce the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization schedule, starting with 107 districts with moderate to high malaria transmission, according to the Uganda Ministry of Health.
Partnerships:
The vaccine introduction is supported by various organizations, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization.
Complementary Measures:
The malaria vaccine is intended to be used alongside other preventative measures like bed nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention.
R21/Matrix-M Vaccine:
The R21/Matrix-M vaccine is a subunit vaccine that targets the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of the malaria parasite and is administered intramuscularly.
Storage and Handling:
The R21 vaccine is freeze and light-sensitive and should be stored between +2°C and +8°C, according to Kamuli District Local Government.
Importance of Vaccination:
Experts emphasize that the malaria vaccine is a critical tool in the fight against malaria, particularly for preventing severe malaria and death in young children |
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