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WHO approves world's first malaria vaccine
Malaria is a leading cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa.
Pilot study led to a 30 per cent reduction in severe malaria in parts of Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of a malaria vaccine among children in countries with moderate to high transmission of the disease.

The recommendation of the RTS, S malaria vaccine is the result of an ongoing pilot study taking place in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, which has reached more than 800,000 children since 2019.

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dubbed the long-awaited vaccine as a “historic moment” and that it “could save thousands of young lives each year”.

Spread by the P.falciparum parasite, malaria is a leading cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa; every year the disease kills more than 260,000 children in the region aged under five. 

In recent years, however, the WHO and partners have been reporting a stagnation in progress against the disease.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, commented: "For centuries, malaria has stalked sub-Saharan Africa, causing immense personal suffering. We have long hoped for an effective malaria vaccine, and now for the first time ever, we have such a vaccine recommended for widespread use.”

To date, more than 2.3 million doses of the RTS, S vaccine, developed by GSK, have already been administered as part of the pilot study. Key findings show that the vaccine is feasible to deliver, safe and cost-effective, even in areas with high malaria transmission. 

In the countries where the vaccine was administered, there was a 30 per cent fall in deadly severe malaria, even where malaria nets are used and there is good access to diagnosis and treatment. 

Dr Tedros said: “This is a historic moment. The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and malaria control. Using this vaccine on top of existing tools to prevent malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year.” 

Later this year, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is expected to consider financing a broader vaccine rollout across Africa. The WHO will also work with regional health organisations about whether to adopt the vaccine as part of national malaria control strategies.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.