Two new malaria vaccines are now part of routine immunisation in 25 countries. This is important because malaria caused 270 million cases and 595,000 deaths in 2024. Most of those deaths were children under five.
The vaccines give only partial protection and require four doses. That creates new work for health services, which are already stretched and facing cuts in international funding.
Early pilot programmes in some countries showed the vaccines work better when combined with nets, seasonal treatment and indoor spraying. Experts say vaccines must be one part of many local actions.
Difficult words
- immunisation — regular medical shots to prevent infectious disease
- malaria — serious disease spread by infected mosquitoes
- dose — single amount of medicine or vaccine givendoses
- partial — not complete; only some protection or effect
- funding — money given for programmes or public services
- programme — a planned set of actions or activitiesprogrammes
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which local actions does the article mention besides vaccines?
- Why do the vaccines create more work for health services?
- Do you think vaccines should be combined with nets and spraying? Why or why not?
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