The World's First Malaria Vaccine Gets a Shot in Africa | SciShow News

Malaria remains a deadly disease, killing nearly half a million people annually, mostly children. The RTS,S vaccine, developed over 30 years, is now being piloted in Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana. Despite its 40% effectiveness, it marks a significant step in combating malaria. The vaccine targets the CS protein of the Plasmodium parasite, which complicates vaccine development due to its complex life cycle and genetic diversity. While not perfect, RTS,S offers hope in reducing malaria's impact, alongside existing preventive measures like bed nets and insecticides.

How does malaria's life cycle complicate the development of an effective vaccine?

Why is the RTS,S vaccine considered exciting despite its low effectiveness?

What is the role of the circumsporozoite (CS) protein in the malaria vaccine?