Chapter 3 focuses on the scientific and organizational elements that are in place and provides a rationale and basis for accelerated malaria vaccine development. Chapter 4 describes the current scientific and organizational obstacles that need to be addressed in developing a coherent plan of action, and Chapters 5 and 6 offer ways to surmount these obstacles. The Appendix provides the workshop agenda. The successful completion of this task, however, will require an extraordinary level of effort in the scientific, public health, and industrial sectors, as well as coordination of these efforts. The following findings and recommendations of the Committee on Malaria Vaccines are based on the evidence and testimony presented at the October workshop and are offered as a basis for coherent and focused action.
Malaria is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the world .
It causes up to 500 million clinical cases each year. A malaria vaccine is feasible . Malaria research over the past two decades has produced a compelling body of evidence demonstrating protective immunity in small animals, primates, and man. Antigens potentially involved in protective immunity have been identified in all stages of the life cycle of the malaria parasite. Two types of vaccines are envisioned, each with different characteristics and prospects for development .