WILLS POINT, TX — Millions around the world are still waiting to get a life-saving vaccine — and it’s not the COVID-19 shot. Human trials of a new malaria vaccine are underway, with promising initial results, according to a new report by humanitarian agency Gospel for Asia (GFA World)that coincides with World Malaria Day, April 25, an annual event.
The quest to develop an effective malaria vaccine — a shot that could save millions of lives — has proved difficult and is still ongoing.
“Malaria is one of the most rampant child-killers in the world today,” said K.P. Yohannan, founder of Texas-based GFA World, formerly Gospel for Asia. “For countless millions across Africa, Asia and other parts of the world, an effective vaccine against malaria would be like a dream.”
COVID ‘Stalls Malaria Fight’
But with the world laser-focused on the global COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to wipe out malaria have stalled, the report says.
Lockdowns and other restrictions have essentially halted malaria-fighting efforts in dozens of countries, leading to fears of a sharp increase in malaria deaths in 2021 — likely a death toll of hundreds of thousands in sub-Saharan Africa.
Malaria — an often-fatal sickness spread by infected mosquitoes — claims nearly half a million lives around the world every year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, and is “humanity’s most deadly infectious disease,” according to GFA World’s report.
A new experimental vaccine developed using mosquito spit has shown promise in early studies, says the just-released report, Malaria Makes Comeback Amid A Pandemic.
The vaccine — a possible breakthrough in the hunt for an effective malaria shot — has triggered a “strong immune response” in volunteers during trials so far, producing “only minor side effects,” the report says.
Until an effective vaccine comes out, the main weapon in the fight against malaria is the insecticide-treated mosquito net.
Recent studies suggest insecticide-treated nets may no longer be as effective in some parts of the world where a new breed of “super mosquito” has built up resistance.
But they’re still “critical” to curbing the spread of malaria globally, says Gospel for Asia (GFA World).
‘Such A Kind Of Love’
“Over the past decade, we’ve distributed more than 1.3 million nets — costing just $10 each — across Asia, and they’ve proved to be lifesavers,” said Yohannan, whose faith-based organization also stages free medical camps. “It’s one way of being the hands and feet of Christ — and showing God’s love — to those who suffer the most in our world.”
Father-of-three Baharupa couldn’t believe it when Gospel for Asia (GFA World) gave away mosquito nets in his malaria-prone village. “Who (would) give us mosquito nets without (asking for) money?” he said. “I’ve never seen such a kind of love.”
PHOTO CUTLINE
: THE ‘OTHER VACCINE SHOT THE WORLD’S WAITING FOR:’ Human trials of a new malaria vaccine are underway, with promising initial results, according to a new report by humanitarian agency GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia) that coincides with World Malaria Day, April 25.
Media interested in interviews with GFA World should contact Gregg Wooding at InChrist Communications @ 972-567-7660 or [email protected]
About GFA World
GFA World (formerly known as Gospel for Asia) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and sharing the love of God. In GFA World’s latest yearly report, this included thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and teaching providing hope and encouragement available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. In the years ahead, GFA World expects to launch programs in numerous African nations, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.
