Malaria is one of the world’s leading killers of children. It is reported that every two minutes, the disease claims the life of one child.

Most of these deaths occur in Africa. It is estimated that about 20 percent of all children have malaria parasites in their blood.

But there is great news. The World Health Organisation has approved the malaria vaccine known as RTS,S or Mosquirix.

The vaccine offers an additional option to protect young children from malaria.

The vaccine can save tens of thousands of young lives in Africa when used alongside proven prevention tools.

The announcement was preceded by Clinical trials of various stages at Kintampo Health Research Centre, Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, and Navrongo Health Research Centre. 

Following recommendations by WHO to introduce the Vaccine on pilot basis, a team of scientists from; school of Public Health in University of Ghana, University of Allied Sciences, Nogochi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology evaluated the Vaccine implementation.

The scientists however advised that the vaccine does not replace existing malaria control interventions.

Parents and caregivers are therefore advised to continue using the other interventions in addition to the vaccine.

Ghana is one of three African countries, alongside Kenya and Malawi that is carrying out the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP).

It is supported by the WHO in collaboration with partners, including PATH, a nonprofit organization, and GSK, the vaccine manufacturer.