Pune: A vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) to control meningitis has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO). The vaccine is needed in around 26 countries from Gambia to Ethiopia due to its effectiveness against the disease.
The vaccine is jointly developed after 13 years of relentless efforts made by SII and ‘PATH’. It will fight against five major symptoms of the life-threatening disease. It will be mainly effective in African countries, where similar fevers are prevalent. This was revealed by Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer, SII.
The vaccine is affordable. Hence, it will control diseases such as meningitis. It will bring the illness under complete control by 2030, said UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Minister Andrew Mitchell. Currently, African meningitis is treated with Polysaccharide vaccines. These vaccines have limitations. They are not effective in the long term. They are not effective among children below two years. However, the new vaccine fulfills all these criteria, claimed the manufacturer.
Serious consequences of meningitis
‘Meningococcal meningitis is caused by bacteria and spreads very fast. It damages the brain. If not treated early, it can be fatal in 50 percent cases. It can affect people from all age groups. However, it hits children more. More often it is fatal among them. The new vaccine will protect kids from the disease.
