Our long-term goal is to assist in eliminating malaria from endemic locations and ultimately around the world. Eliminating malaria is no easy task and involves the integration of various techniques and collaborations. Such efforts involve researching malaria vaccine options, building and strengthening capacity in local communities and governments, implementing drug-based approaches and molecular methods, developing standard operating procedures, policies, and guidelines, and more. We are implementing the full range of our malaria elimination interventions, among them includes the PfSPZ vaccine development.
Malaria Vaccination Efforts
The Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project (BIMEP), based on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, has been a partner in developing a next generation malaria vaccine candidate with the goal of preventing blood-stage infection through a whole parasite Plasmodium falciparum (PfSPZ) vaccine that contains radiation attenuated sporozoites. This effort is part of a coalition of more than 65 research institutions led by Sanaria, Inc.
In contrast to the RTS,S malaria vaccine recently endorsed by the World Health Organization, the PfSPZ vaccine targets the early stage of the malaria parasite in humans, prevents the disease, and interrupts the chain of transmission.
Our team has developed and strengthened local capacity for future research and laboratory infrastructure as well as increased knowledge of successful elimination strategies in terms of vector control and prevention.
