मलेरिया का नया टीका: भारत में व्यापक टीकाकरण अभियान शुरू
भारत ने स्वदेशी रूप से निर्मित मलेरिया रोधी टीके 'R21/Matrix-M' को अपने राष्ट्रीय टीकाकरण कार्यक्रम में शामिल किया है।
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India launched the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine in its national immunization program in May 2026.
- The vaccine was developed by the University of Oxford and is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
- The R21/Matrix-M vaccine has received recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Initial rollout targets high-burden states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
- The vaccine has demonstrated over 75% efficacy, meeting WHO targets.
- R21/Matrix-M is a critical tool for India's goal of malaria elimination by 2030.
- It primarily protects children under 5 years, who are most vulnerable to severe malaria.
- The vaccine targets the Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP) of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 4–8 | Basic science, space missions, ISRO launches, and defence technology are standard SSC GK topics. |
| Railway (RRB NTPC / Group D) | Very High | 6–10 | Science and Technology is one of the largest GK sections in Railway papers. |
| State PCS / PSC | Medium | 3–5 | Space missions, defence acquisitions, and health research appear regularly. |
Key Facts to Remember: मलेरिया का नया टीका: भारत में व्यापक टीकाकरण अभियान शुरू
- India launched the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine in its national immunization program in May 2026.
- The vaccine was developed by the University of Oxford and is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
- The R21/Matrix-M vaccine has received recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Initial rollout targets high-burden states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
- The vaccine has demonstrated over 75% efficacy, meeting WHO targets.
- R21/Matrix-M is a critical tool for India's goal of malaria elimination by 2030.
- It primarily protects children under 5 years, who are most vulnerable to severe malaria.
- The vaccine targets the Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP) of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
Practice Questions
Q1. Which malaria vaccine has been recently integrated into India's national immunization program?
- RTS,S/AS01
- R21/Matrix-M
- Pfizer-BioNTech Malaria Vaccine
- Moderna Malaria Vaccine
Explanation: The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, has been officially integrated into India's national immunization program starting in May 2026.
Q2. Who is the primary manufacturer of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine in India?
- Bharat Biotech
- Panacea Biotec
- Serum Institute of India (SII)
- Zydus Cadila
Explanation: The Serum Institute of India (SII), a leading vaccine manufacturer, is responsible for the production of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine.
Q3. In which month and year did India commence the rollout of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine?
- April 2025
- May 2026
- June 2026
- March 2026
Explanation: The national immunization program incorporating the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine was officially launched in May 2026, with an initial focus on high-burden states.
Q4. Which of the following organizations has recommended the use of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine?
- The Global Fund
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- UNICEF
- Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided its recommendation for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, signifying its approval based on efficacy and safety data.
Q5. Which parasite is targeted by the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine?
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium malariae
- Plasmodium falciparum
Explanation: The R21/Matrix-M vaccine targets the Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP) of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is the deadliest species of malaria parasite affecting humans.
How to Prepare Science & Technology for Government Exams — मलेरिया का नया टीका: भारत में व्यापक टीकाकरण अभिय…
For Railway exams, make flashcards for every major ISRO launch — name, payload, purpose, date. These repeat frequently.
For SSC, focus on defence acquisitions and their strategic significance rather than technical specs.
For UPSC, connect every scientific development to policy — climate targets, digital India, health policy.
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