Geneva/IBNS: In light of the recent spike in malaria cases worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday approved the prequalification of the second malaria vaccine, known as R21/Matrix-M, to enable greater access to treatment.

"WHO has added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to its list of prequalified vaccines," the WHO said, explaining that "the prequalification means larger access to vaccines as a key tool to prevent malaria in children, with it being a prerequisite for vaccine procurement by UNICEF and funding support for deployment by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance."

The statement also said that the R21 vaccine was the second malaria vaccine prequalified by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine that received prequalification status in July 2022.

Both vaccines have proven to be safe and effective in clinical trials for preventing malaria in children, the statement said.

"When implemented broadly, along with other recommended malaria control interventions, they are expected to have a high public health impact," the statement added.

In late November, the WHO said that the incidence of malaria had increased since before the pandemic, with 167 million cases and 426,000 deaths recorded in the 11 most affected countries alone in 2022.

The countries most affected by malaria are Burkina Faso, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Cameroon, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania, according to the WHO.

Malaria is caused by a mosquito-borne parasite and does not spread from person to person. Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, and chills. The disease is endemic in parts of Africa.

(With UNI/Sputnik inputs)