As many as 300-500 million people are infected with malaria each year, resulting in over one million deaths worldwide. The economic costs of the disease, including health care expenses and lost productivity, are a significant burden on the world's poor, particularly in Africa and south Asia. Yet there has been relatively little investment in malaria research compared to other diseases of international importance such as HIV/AIDS and, more recently, bird flu. As a result, the world's leading health organizations have recently launched a global strategy, the Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap, to develop an effective vaccine by 2025.
Establish Priorities
The 2025 strategic goal calls for a vaccine that protects against malaria infection in at least 80% of cases and provides protection for four years or more. An interim landmark is to develop a first-generation vaccine by 2015 with a 50% efficiency and one-year lifespan. To achieve these goals, the Roadmap outlines 11 priorities within four major work areas:
Challenges Ahead
Scientists have confirmed that it is possible to create an effective malaria vaccine. There are currently over 30 potential vaccines under development, yet greater resources will be necessary to advance promising candidates. Scientists, funding organizations, policy experts and major decision-makers will have to step up efforts and work together to overcome some of the current challenges of malaria research such as:
RELATED LINKS:
Executive Summary: Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap
World Health Organization: Malaria
Malaria Foundation International
EarthTrends
