Sensemaker: The malaria survivor who helped create a new vaccine
Jul 22, 2024
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Mehreen Datoo, a malaria survivor, discusses the breakthrough in developing a new malaria vaccine, the challenges faced, and the potential impact on reducing malaria deaths worldwide. The podcast explores the personal account of malaria's impact, the efficacy of the R21 vaccine, and the need for further advancements in vaccine development for African communities.
The R21 malaria vaccine targets sporozoites to prevent liver cell infection, showing promising efficacy in trials.
The vaccine, affordable and scalable, has the potential to significantly reduce malaria-related deaths in Africa.
Deep dives
Development of R21 Malaria Vaccine
The R21 malaria vaccine, developed by a team led by Maureen Dattu at Oxford's Jenner Institute, targets sporozoites transmitted by mosquitoes, preventing their infection of liver cells and halting the malaria life cycle. Initial trials showed promising results in UK adults, leading to phase one and phase two trials in malaria-endemic regions like Kenya and Burkina Faso. Subsequent trials in children in these areas demonstrated the vaccine's efficacy in protecting against malaria, sparking excitement and efforts to replicate the results in more countries.
Impact and Future of R21 Vaccine
The R21 vaccine stands out as the first to meet WHO efficacy targets and is more affordable and scalable, with the Serum Institute of India committed to mass-producing it for $4 per dose. Its widespread use alongside other preventive measures like bed nets could significantly reduce malaria-related deaths. However, future iterations need to target all stages of the malaria life cycle and be accessible to vulnerable groups like pregnant women. Despite these challenges, the vaccine is expected to make a profound impact on communities in Africa, improving education, reducing financial burden, and preventing missed work due to illness.
Mehreen Datoo nearly died after she caught the disease when she was a medical student. Now she is part of the team that has helped develop a world-changing malaria jab.