This archive report was first published on 6 October 2021.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has given Kenya the green light to use the world's first malaria vaccine, RTS,S, also known as Mosquirix, on October 6, 2021. The vaccine was declared ready for use after a rigorous testing process.
Kenya is among the three African countries recommended to use the revolutionary vaccine, alongside Ghana and Malawi. The vaccine is expected to have a significant impact in reducing malaria cases and deaths in Africa, where the disease is most prevalent.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the vaccine as a 'gift to the world', saying it marks a significant milestone in the fight against malaria. The vaccine has been in development for over 30 years and has been tested in several countries, including Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi.
According to WHO, malaria is the leading cause of child mortality rate, claiming thousands of lives every year. The organisation has lauded the Government of Kenya for launching a pilot programme for the vaccine in Homa-Bay County in September 2019.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, stated that the pilot programme would provide key information and data to inform a WHO policy on the broader use of the vaccine.
