Michael Fullerton

Quit Stalling on Malaria Vaccines, and Other Ideas for Combating Malaria Michael Fullerton

Malaria kills hundreds of thousands if not millions of people each year, mostly young children in tropical countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa. The author argues that a malaria vaccine, even if it doesn't prevent the disease can still help keep it from becoming severe. This could not only save lives but minimize long term neurological problems caused by severe cases of malaria. The author looks at a number of malaria vaccines, some of which have already been shown to be effective to some extent, but have not become available to the public. He also argues for continued research on new malaria vaccines even if a malaria vaccine is finally approved for general distribution. The author also looks at other ways to fight malaria, including drugs, bed nets, improved nutrition, improved education, and better economic opportunities for people in endemic areas. Since these factors are difficult to control, the author argues for vaccines, some of which have already been shown to help fight malaria, even if they haven't been able to prevent the disease in most cases. He also looks at promising research concerning new vaccine possibilities.