Malaria Vaccine Receives High Marks In Latest Treatment Evaluation StudyThe R21 malaria vaccine has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO), offering an affordable and promising solution for malaria control in Africa, according to a recent study published by 1Day Africa, a global non-profit organization. The study emphasizes that the vaccine’s cost-effectiveness is comparable to that of insecticide-treated bed nets, which have long been a cornerstone in malaria prevention.

The report reveals that the R21 vaccine costs $39 per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted, closely rivaling the $38 cost of bed nets. In contrast, the RTS malaria vaccine costs $129 per DALY, making R21 a more cost-efficient option for large-scale distribution in low- and middle-income countries.

Produced by the Serum Institute of India, the R21 vaccine benefits from streamlined manufacturing processes, which contribute to its reduced cost. Researchers suggest that combining R21 with other malaria control measures, such as seasonal chemoprevention and vector control programs, could significantly reduce malaria cases in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of global malaria incidents occur.

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, with 95% of the world’s cases reported in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022. The introduction of the R21 vaccine, according to the study, could reshape malaria control efforts, especially in regions facing rising resistance to traditional prevention methods.

The report calls for continued investment in malaria research and the integration of new interventions like R21 into comprehensive public health strategies to tackle the disease more effectively.

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has urged health authorities to activate heightened alert systems in response to the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant that is rapidly spreading across the globe.

XEC is the latest in a long list of past and current COVID variants being monitored as the COVID-19 virus naturally evolves.

This directive comes after the strain, first identified in Australia, has now been confirmed in 29 countries.

This was contained in a letter dated December 5 but made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, Dr. O.N. Anuma.

The letter read, “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has been reported in Australia and has already spread to 29 countries globally.

“You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.”

Anuma emphasised the need for vigilance and immediate action.

“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms,” he stated.

The directive also highlighted the importance of collaboration and timely information-sharing among health institutions and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure an effective response.

Medical professionals are also urged to enhance monitoring protocols and share critical data on the XEC variant.

“We request your committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols.

“Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Health will be vital for effective response strategies,” he warned.

In September, PUNCH Healthwise reported that XEC has spread across 27 countries, including France and the United States, infecting more than 600 people.

Findings by PUNCH Healthwise revealed that XEC was identified in Germany in June with more cases of the variant having since emerged in the UK, the US, Denmark and several other countries.

XEC has some new mutations that might help it spread this autumn, although vaccines should still help prevent severe cases, according to scientists.

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has raised an alert over the circulation of counterfeit Combiart Dispersible Tablet 20/120mg in Nigeria.

NAFDAC disclosed this via a post on its X handle on Thursday.

According to the agency, the product is manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, based in India.

“This product was discovered in the FCT and Rivers State during surveillance activities conducted by officers of the Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate of NAFDAC.

“The laboratory report of the analysis carried out on the product revealed that it contained zero active pharmaceutical ingredients. The product was also observed to have two different date markings. The NAFDAC database of registered products confirmed that the product licence has expired, and the NAFDAC registration number on it is incorrect and does not belong to the product.

“The Artemether and Lumefantrine combination belongs to a group of medicines known as antimalarials. It treats malaria, a red blood cell infection transmitted by mosquito bites. However, this medicine is not used to treat severe or complicated malaria,” NAFDAC stated.

The agency warned that counterfeit medicines pose significant risks to health as they do not meet regulatory standards, meaning their safety, quality, and efficacy cannot be assured.

It added that counterfeit medicines often fail to effectively treat conditions, leading to severe health consequences, including death.

NAFDAC identified the product’s batch number as 7225119, with a NAFDAC registration number of A11-0299. It noted that the manufacturing dates on the product were June 2023 and February 2023, while the expiry dates were May 2026 and June 2026.

The manufacturer’s name and address were listed as:
Strides Arcolab Limited, 36/7, Suragajakkanahalli, Indlavadi Cross, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore (562 106), India.

The agency directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove the counterfeit products from circulation. Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers were urged to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products.

“All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The authenticity and physical condition of the products should be carefully checked,” NAFDAC advised.

Healthcare professionals and consumers were also urged to report any suspicion of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office. Reports can also be made via the NAFDAC hotline at 0800-162-3322

Similarly, adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicines or devices should be reported through the NAFDAC e-reporting platform on its website, the Med-Safety app (available on Android and iOS)

NAFDAC noted that the alert will also be uploaded to the World Health Organisation Global Surveillance and Monitoring System.