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Key Highlight: Bharat Biotech to begin supply of RTS,S vaccine to Gavi from 2026.
About Malaria:
- Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Major parasite species: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.
- It causes symptoms such as fever, chills, vomiting, and if untreated, can lead to severe complications and death.
- As per WHO, over 600,000 malaria-related deaths occur globally each year, mostly in Africa.
About RTS,S Malaria Vaccine:
- RTS,S/AS01 (brand name: Mosquirix) is the first vaccine developed for malaria prevention.
- Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021.
- Provides partial protection against Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite.
About Gavi (The Vaccine Alliance):
- Gavi is a global health partnership established in 2000 to improve access to vaccines in low- and middle-income countries.
- It brings together public and private sector partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Gavi funds and supports the procurement and delivery of life-saving vaccines.
Why in News?
- Bharat Biotech will begin supplying the world’s first malaria vaccine, RTS,S, to Gavi starting 2026, as part of the Gavi 6.0 phase (2026–2030).
