VACINA DA MALÁRIA: UM PROBLEMA GLOBAL COM UMA NOVA ALIADA

OBJECTIVES: Despite the various goals achieved in the last decade, from the collective effort of several countries and institutions, malaria currently remains one of the infectious diseases with the greatest global impact. In this review, we intend to establish the impact of the measures taken in recent years, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the research into vaccines against malaria. METHODS: This is a review by means of an exploratory study of the scientific literature, which was based on scientific articles and technical guides from international entities. RESULTS: The prevention and treatment of malaria continue to be the most important measures to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with this disease. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges regarding the distribution of measures of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, at the same time, it has shown that with collective and organized effort, remarkable advances can be achieved. The recently recommended vaccine outlines a new direction for malaria, potentially contributing to its eradication. CONCLUSION: There is still a long way to go in the fight against this disease, but with the implementation of measures globally, in particular investment in the poorest countries, and with the new tools available, such as vaccines, it is possible to achieve the objectives defined for the coming decades.