Malaria continues to be a global burden in spite of effective vector control and the use of preventive anti-malarial drugs, especially in African countries, mainly in young children. Hence the need for development of effective and durable vaccine against the human malaria parasite P. falciparum and P. vivax remains a key priority. Developing a vaccine to stop this deadly disease has been challenging because of complex life cycle of parasite and lack of understanding of the complex immune response to malaria infection. However, recent work in malaria vaccine research provides optimism. With first generation pre-erythrocytic vaccines in use, it is important to reflect how next generation vaccine approaches can improve on their success. We review the latest vaccine approach which aims to develop an effective vaccine against malaria.
