Every year, malaria claims the lives of over half a million children in sub-Saharan Africa. Instead of providing resources like clean water, healthy food, and better sanitation, Bill Gates, a famous billionaire, believes in using an unproven malaria vaccine to combat the problem.
Bill Gates released his genetically altered mosquitos in Florida.
Now there are malaria cases in Florida and Texas for the first time in 20 years.
Bill Gates is about to launch his malaria vaccine.
Stock up on HCQ
— suzy (@Suzy_1776) June 28, 2023
Gates is known for favoring vaccines and pharmaceutical solutions for global issues, so it’s not surprising that he promotes this approach to the malaria crisis in Africa. Yet, it’s important to note that no malaria vaccine guarantees full immunity. Experts argue that improved living conditions and natural cures like artemisinin might be a more effective way for Africa to fight malaria.
18 million doses of first-ever malaria vaccine allocated to 12 African countries for 2023–2025: Gavi, WHO and UNICEF @HumanProgress @future_crunch @freethinkmedia @progressntwrk https://t.co/nCqtLgu9kR
— Sarah (@sbclifton77) July 7, 2023
But Gates is not drawn to these straightforward solutions. Instead, he is keen on the mass distribution of Mosquirix (RTS, S/AS01), a malaria vaccine produced by British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), whose efficiency is under question.
It’s been noted that Mosquirix doesn’t provide long-lasting immunity. It requires four separate injections, and the protective effects are only temporary. Reports suggest that this vaccine may not only be ineffective but could potentially be harmful.
Psst. Hey you, Yeah you. Do you want to try my new malaria vaccine??? It’s the bestest ever. pic.twitter.com/46EebTzTxC
— rayrayinfla (@rayrayinfla) June 28, 2023
In the most extensive Mosquirix trial ever conducted, the results were disappointing. The group that received the vaccine experienced worse conditions than the control group. They had a higher risk of developing severe health issues, including meningitis and cerebral malaria, and a double mortality risk.
With these concerns in mind, one can’t help but question the motive behind promoting a vaccine that doesn’t prevent malaria and potentially poses a health risk.
Although the vaccine has received approval from the World Health Organization (WHO), the benefits are still disputed. The WHO claims that for every 200 malaria vaccines administered, one child’s life could be saved.
Despite the controversy, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has awarded GSK a $170 million contract to distribute 18 million doses of Mosquirix in Africa. This is only the beginning, as Gates reportedly plans to implement a system where 80-100 million doses of Mosquirix are given to children in sub-Saharan Africa annually until 2030.
According to forecasts from GAVI SDS, this could potentially create a billion-dollar malaria vaccine industry in Africa by 2030, reaching up to 100 million doses annually.
While the efforts to combat malaria are commendable, the shift towards an unproven vaccine raises many questions. As concerns rise, the focus on Africa as a potential market for pharmaceuticals, and the implications of such a move, are scrutinized by many. Ensuring the welfare and health of children should always be the priority, and all options must be explored to achieve this crucial goal.