The Hindu: Published on 14th Feb 2025:
Why in News?
The WHO recently declared Georgia as the 45th country to eliminate malaria, marking a significant public health milestone.
Despite efforts to eliminate malaria, vaccination remains a challenge, with current vaccines showing limited effectiveness.
The persistence of malaria, despite eradication efforts, raises concerns about why it hasn’t been eradicated like smallpox.
Key Highlights
Historical Context: Discovery of malaria transmission, with Ronald Ross proving in 1897 that mosquitoes are vectors for Plasmodium.
Scientific Challenge: Unlike viruses, Plasmodium is a complex parasite with multiple life-cycle stages, making vaccine development difficult.
Vaccine Limitations:
RTS,S Vaccine: The first WHO-approved malaria vaccine, but with only 36% efficacy over four years.
Newer vaccines like R21/Matrix-M and PfSPZ show promise but still face challenges.
Malaria’s Adaptability: The parasite evolves resistance to immune responses, making long-term immunity difficult.
Funding Issues: Malaria vaccine research is underfunded, as it primarily affects low-income regions, reducing pharmaceutical investment interest.
Climate & Resurgence: Changing mosquito habitats due to climate shifts may increase malaria transmission, necessitating urgent action.
Impact/Implications
Health Sector:
Low vaccine effectiveness means malaria remains a leading cause of death, particularly in Africa and South Asia.
Need for integrated approaches including vaccines, mosquito control, and drug treatments.
Economic Impact:
Malaria causes loss of productivity due to sickness and deaths, affecting economic growth in endemic countries.
Higher healthcare costs for treatments and vector control programs.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Lack of financial incentives means fewer private investments in malaria vaccine R&D.
Governments and global health organizations must increase funding for research.
Challenges/Concerns
Low Vaccine Efficacy: Unlike viral vaccines (90-95% efficacy), malaria vaccines have much lower success rates.
Multiple Life-Cycle Stages: Unlike viruses, malaria parasites change forms, making it harder for the immune system to target them.
High Mutation Rate: Plasmodium rapidly evolves, making vaccine resistance a constant risk.
Logistical Barriers: RTS,S requires multiple doses, posing distribution challenges in rural and resource-limited areas.
Underfunding: Research funding remains low due to malaria’s prevalence in poorer countries, limiting investment by pharmaceutical firms.
Way Forward
Develop More Effective Vaccines:
Support second-generation vaccines like R21/Matrix-M and PfSPZ.
Focus on transmission-blocking vaccines to prevent mosquitoes from spreading malaria.
Increase Funding & Research:
Governments, WHO, and private organizations must invest more in malaria vaccine research.
Encourage public-private partnerships for vaccine development.
Integrated Control Measures:
Mosquito control (insecticides, bed nets, genetic modification of mosquitoes).
Better access to treatment for infected individuals to reduce transmission.
Global Collaboration:
Countries must share research, resources, and strategies to combat malaria effectively.
Conclusion
Malaria elimination is an achievable goal, but it requires better vaccines, increased funding, and integrated control measures. While RTS,S was a major breakthrough, more effective vaccines and stronger public health initiatives are needed to fully eradicate malaria.
