The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the next step in its release of the world’s first approved malaria vaccine.The release is expected to take place in three African countries: Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.But the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a vaccine supporter, has said it has concerns.WHO said last fall the vaccine was a “historic” development in efforts to control malaria.But the Gates Foundation told The Associated Press this week that it will no longer financially support the vaccine.Some scientists warn the decision could leave millions of African children at risk.It could also weaken future efforts to solve difficult problems in public health.The vaccine is called Mosquirix and is sold by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).It is about 30 percent effective and requires four doses.The malaria vaccine has “a much lower efficacy than we would like,” said Philip Welkhoff.He is the Gates Foundation's director of malaria programs.The foundation is ending its support after spending more than $200 million and working more than 20 years to get the vaccine.
