I wonder how long the Anti-vax dickheads will be forced to keep quiet by this...

Malaria vaccine could save millions of children's lives

"The addition of a malaria vaccine to existing control interventions, such as bed nets and insecticide spraying, could potentially help prevent millions of cases of this debilitating disease. It could also reduce the burden on hospital services, freeing up much-needed beds to treat other patients who often live in remote villages, with little or no access to healthcare."

"The Path malaria vaccine initiative's mission is to deliver a vaccine to the children of Africa so that instead of carrying near lifeless babies to crowded paediatric wards, mothers will carry their infants past noisy school playgrounds to bustling immunisation clinics. Today, we are an important step closer to realising that vision, and we look forward to continuing our drive, together with our partners, to bring this vaccine home to the children of Africa."

I've just been reading about this. Excellent news. Even better, there's another malaria vaccine that's being tested and looks promising as well (mentioned at the end of this BBC article).

The original article available here.

I know a 50% reduction doesn't sound much, but as malaria is transmitted from human to human via a mosquito vector every reduction is a overall reduction. Already bed nets and treated blankets have had a significant impact, unfortunately the uptakke is not what would be desired.
Living here in one of the capitals of malaria, I see my national staff suffer new infections at amazing rates during the malaria high season (now) most of them have been infected 2-3 times in the past 10 weeks. At that rate of reinfection even a 50% reduction would make a significant difference.

On the contrary, I think if you (a generic you, not you kiore ) have even a hazy idea of the extent of the problem, a 50% reduction in infection rates should sound like a very good start (obviously, higher efficiency would be even better ... and is to be hoped for in the future). Especially if the vaccine is made available for adults as well - otherwise I suppose you can hardly expect to significantly limit transmission?

The big worry, as the article says, is whether sufficient funds will be provided to make it effective since the vaccine will only achieve the larger number of prevented deaths if vaccination is widespread.

What is the best medicine to take to prevent malaria? I am traveling abroad. My doctor prescribed Malarone, but I have heard that it upsets people's stomachs. I know there are other types of malaria prevention medicine. The most helpful answers would be people who have taken the drug/drugs. Thank you so much!

pranthela wrote:What is the best medicine to take to prevent malaria? I am traveling abroad. My doctor prescribed Malarone, but I have heard that it upsets people's stomachs. I know there are other types of malaria prevention medicine. The most helpful answers would be people who have taken the drug/drugs. Thank you so much!

Welcome, this is not quite the topic being discussed but prophylaxsis for malaria needs to be specifically adjusted to the individual and to the area visited.
'Malarone' (atovaquon/proguanilhydrochloride 250/100) is used in a number of areas and has the advantage of needing to be started only a few days before entering the risk area and continued only for 1 week after leaving. Very few people, comparatively, have side effects to the extent that they cannot tolerate it. It is however expensive and needs to be taken daily, it is usually recommended for short periods with a maximum of 3months recommended by the WHO.
Other choices would be Mefloquine hydrocholride 250mg weekly usually called Larium, or Doxycycline daily 100mg, both these drugs have advantages and disadvantages as well.
Remember no malaria preventers are 100% effective so the best thing is to avoid mosquito bites, the use of preventers combined with mosquito awareness, adequate clothing, DEET based repellants and sleeping nets (preferably treated with a pyrithroid) is the best course of action.