Models predict impact of malaria vaccine candidate

This cost was estimated to vary depending on the level of malaria transmission found in a particular location—with the vaccine being increasingly cost-effective in areas with a higher malaria burden.

The researchers noted that, according to earlier studies, the cost per DALY averted for other malaria interventions indicate averages of $27 for long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets; $143 for indoor residual spraying; and $24 for intermittent preventative treatment.

Caveats

The researchers conceded that this study has its limitations. One is the remaining uncertainty regarding the vaccine’s efficacy after the 4 years of follow-up observed in the phase 3 trial.

The team also noted that, since the phase 3 trial of RTS,S was not large enough to test for a reduction in deaths from malaria (versus reduction in incidence of malaria cases) and the quality of care provided to participants was high, the modeling studies’ projection of deaths requires further validation during the implementation phase.

“It will be important to continue to track the long-term impact of this vaccine to ensure that the effectiveness predicted by the models is borne out in practice,” said Caitlin Bever, PhD, of the Institute for Disease Modeling in Bellevue, Washington.