Shielding the future: Malaria vaccine paves way for global health security
Mosquirix marks a breakthrough in malaria prevention
Mosquirix (RTS,S/AS01) is the world’s first malaria vaccine, and a major scientific breakthrough in global public health, especially for children in sub-Saharan Africa, who are at the highest risk of malaria-related death.
What is Mosquirix?
Full name: RTS,S/AS01
Type: Recombinant protein-based malaria vaccine
Target disease: Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite
Developer: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in partnership with PATH and WHO, with funding from GAVI, The Global Fund, and UNICEF
Approved by: WHO (October 2021)
Administered in 4 doses: At 5, 6, 7, and 18 months of age
Delivery: Through routine immunisation programmes
Why is it important?
- First vaccine against a parasitic disease
- Reduces malaria cases by Rs 40% and severe cases by Rs 30% in young children
- Demonstrates moderate efficacy but significant public health impact
- Complements existing tools like mosquito nets, insecticides, and antimalarial drugs
- Reduces child mortality in high-transmission regions
- Supports UN SDG-3: Good health and well-being
Mechanism of action
It stimulates immune response against circumsporozoite protein (CSP) on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites
Prevents parasite from infecting the liver, an essential stage in the malaria life cycle
Efficacy and limitations
| Aspect | Details |
| Efficacy | Rs 40% against clinical malaria in children |
| Duration | Waning immunity over time; booster needed |
| Safety | Safe and well-tolerated |
| Limitations | Moderate efficacy, needs combination with other tools |
Global implementation
- Pilot programmes: Began in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi (2019–2023)
- Over 2 million doses administered
- WHO prequalification enabled wider rollout in 2023
- In 2023, India’s Bharat Biotech was approved to manufacture the vaccine, which may make it more affordable and accessible globally
Latest updates and related developments
A second malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, developed by Oxford University, is now also WHO-approved (2023), showing higher efficacy (Rs 75%).
Combined use may offer enhanced protection in high-transmission areas.
Potential exam questions
Objective/MCQs
- Mosquirix vaccine is used to prevent which disease?
- Which parasite does RTS,S target?
- Who developed the Mosquirix vaccine?
Short answer questions
- Write a short note on Mosquirix.
- Mention two benefits and two limitations of the RTS,S vaccine.
- What is the global significance of Mosquirix?
Long answer/analytical questions
- Discuss the significance of the Mosquirix vaccine in the global fight against malaria.
- Evaluate the efficacy, limitations, and global implementation of Mosquirix.
- How do vaccines like RTS,S and R21 contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals?
Quick recap box for exam revision
| Key feature | Details |
| Name | Mosquirix (RTS,S/AS01) |
| Disease Targeted | Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) |
| Developer | GSK, PATH, WHO |
| First Approved | 2021 (WHO) |
| Mechanism | Blocks liver infection via CSP protein |
| Efficacy | Rs 40% (clinical), Rs 30% (severe cases) |
| Doses | 4 doses (5 to 18 months) |
| Implementation | Ghana, Kenya, Malawi pilot programmes |
| Significance | First-ever parasitic vaccine |
| Related development | R21/Matrix-M vaccine (Oxford, 75% efficacy) |
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