A flagoff for Africa, outside Africa.

If satellite viewing centers were a thing in this part of the world (oh, wait they are), bets are on whether the flag-off ceremony of the malaria vaccine supply to Africa would be broadcasted. Anyways, with the ceremony happening in India and the attendant time zone difference, we’re here to pick up the pieces for you.

Now, why is this important?

Much like the Christians would agree that every Christmas season, new and improved things should be celebrated. At the very least announced (checking to see if our colleague, John is at the office). Now, while the malaria vaccine is not exactly the newest kid on the block, the new R21/Matrix M vaccine represents quite the upgrade on the RTS,S vaccine already being distributed on the continent.

Some background

The World Health Organization endorsed the first malaria vaccine to be approved; the RTS,S vaccine in 2021. However, distribution, although limited had already began in endemic African countries like Benin Republic and Namibia as early as 2019.

Its benefits? 39% reduction in cases of malaria as well as a 30% reduction in cases of severe malaria. All after 4 doses given over 2 years in children under 5 years of age.

Hard to fault any champagne pops when we learned that the R21/Matrix M vaccine would be offering an efficacy rate of 77% in comparison.

So, what’s next?

43,000 doses were shipped from the Serum Institute’s facilities yesterday and headed to the Central African Republic. This will be followed by supplies to other countries in the region, notably; the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan with a total of 163,800 doses allocated to the region.

As for the other countries? Well, the Serum Institute of India has commenced negotiations for the construction of a vaccine manufacturing plant in Ghana. The plant is expected to manufacture 20 million doses annually at full capacity. And perhaps give us that flag-off in Africa we’ve all been waiting for.