What is the R21/Matrix-M Vaccine?

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Why in News?

The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine recommended by the WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a WHO recommendation in 2021.
WHO is now reviewing the vaccine for prequalification, which is the WHO stamp of approval, and will enable GAVI (a global vaccine alliance) and UNICEF to buy the vaccine from manufacturers.

About R21/Matrix-M Vaccine:

It is a new vaccine approved for the prevention of malaria in children.
It was developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India with support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (‘EDCTP’), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank (‘EIB’).
It is the first malaria vaccine to reach the WHO’s target of 75% efficacy.
It has already been approved for use in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The vaccine will be rolled out in those African countries in early 2024 and will be available in mid-2024 in other countries.

What is Malaria?

It is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, pose the greatest threat.
Malaria is common in tropical areas where it’s hot and humid.
Children under 5 years of age are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria.
Symptoms:
- The Signs and symptoms of malaria are similar to flu symptoms. They include:
  - Fever and sweating.
  - Chills that shake your whole body.
  - Headache and muscle aches.
  - Fatigue.
  - Chest pain, breathing problems, and cough.
  - Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
- As malaria gets worse, it can cause anemia and jaundice.
- The most severe form of malaria, which may progress to a coma, is known as cerebral malaria. This type represents about 15% of deaths in children and nearly 20% of adult deaths.
Treatment:
- It is preventable and curable. With early treatment, most people with malaria will make a full recovery.
- Some drugs are given in combination with other drugs. The type of parasite will determine the type of medication.
- The main antimalarial drugs are:
  - chloroquine
  - hydroxychloroquine
  - primaquine
  - artemisinin-based therapy
  - atovaquone-proguanil

Q1) What is GAVI (The Vaccine Alliance)?

The Vaccine Alliance (GAVI) was set up as a Global Health Partnership in 2000 with the goal of creating equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries. In particular, GAVI aims at accelerating access to vaccines, strengthening countries’ health and immunization systems, and introducing innovative new immunization technology. WHO is one of four permanent members of the GAVI Board and alternate Chair (with UNICEF) of GAVI’s Executive Committee.