On March 26, 2024, Ifakara Health Institute took part in the third End Malaria Council meeting in Dar es Salaam. During the meeting Former President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete stressed the need for intensified efforts against malaria in Tanzania, which remains among the top 11 countries in Africa affected by the disease.

Dr. Kikwete, also a member of the Global End Malaria Council, highlighted Ifakara's significant contributions to malaria research, particularly in vaccine development. He emphasized the importance of vaccinating children under 5, who are the most vulnerable to malaria.

The vaccine, known as the “R21” vaccine has undergone clinical trials conducted by Ifakara since October 2021, and has shown promising results. Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the vaccine for malaria prevention in children. 

Clinical trial results revealed high efficacy rates, especially in children aged 5 to 17 months, with 79% efficacy in seasonal sites and 75% in standard sites. Ongoing research aims to determine the optimal dosing schedule and monitor long-term immune response.

The R21 vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford in collaboration with the Serum Institute of India, has shown impressive efficacy and safety. Prof. Adrian Hill from Oxford led the vaccine's development and served as the Principal Investigator in the study. To learn more about this vaccine visit this link: BREAKTHROUGH: WHO recommends for use malaria vaccine evaluated by Ifakara