PHA-Exchange> MOZAMBIQUE: New malaria vaccine trials could save children

[George Lessard]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: IRIN <IRIN at irinnews.org>
> Date: Tue Jul 15, 2003  12:00:15  PM America/Winnipeg
> Subject: MOZAMBIQUE: New malaria vaccine trials could save children
>
> MOZAMBIQUE: New malaria vaccine trials could save children
>
> JOHANNESBURG, 15 July (IRIN) - Doctors in Mozambique are hoping that a 
> new malaria vaccine will provide a breakthrough in lowering the toll 
> the disease is taking.
>
> Trials starting on Thursday are expected to test the efficacy and 
> safety of the vaccine, known as RTS,S/AS02A, on 2,000 children. 
> Previous trials in Europe, the United States and Mozambique have 
> suggested the vaccine is safe and effective for adults.
>
> "This is currently the most advanced malaria vaccine in development 
> and, if successful, will be a useful public health tool," Pedro 
> Alonso, who is heading the study in Mozambique, told IRIN.
>
> About 3,000 African children die of malaria every day.
>
> Children participating in the trials will be monitored for up to 18 
> months, a longer period than previous vaccine trials, to see if they 
> are resistant to the disease.
>
> "It is important to note that malaria is not only a consequence of 
> poverty, but also a cause. The costs to treat the disease are enormous 
> on health systems that are often struggling to cope. The loss of life 
> often impacts on economic development," said Alonso.
>
> Results from the trial are expected in June 2004.
>
>
>
> [ENDS]
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