In the meantime, researchers are encouraged that the vaccine has proved especially effective in protecting the most vulnerable population: babies. In conjunction with other proven methods—treated bed nets and DDT spraying, as mandated by the Mozambican government—it could slash malaria infections and deaths in children. "We may be seeing the synergy that we would predict would exist between vaccination and other modalities of malaria control," Ballou says.

And the vaccine may also provide broader benefits: "A vaccine acts as a magnet, drawing in multiple generations of a family for basic services when the children come to get vaccinated," Mozambique's Mocumbi says. "When we protect children we are investing for the future of our nation."

2 Comments

1. 1. John_Toradze 10:29 PM 1/27/08

   Aside from the question of, "How effective is it?" I wonder about a deeper question. If malaria became a disease of the past, with Africa safe for "lawyers in love" how long before the Ivory Coast is bought by Europeans for vacation homes and resorts, just like the Caribbean? And will the long term effect be the death knell for those peoples that have thrived under malaria's shadow?

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2. 2. John_Toradze 10:30 PM 1/27/08

   (Unintentional duplicate posted.)

   
   
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   Edited by John_Toradze at 01/27/2008 2:32 PM

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