Lama

Researchers are investigating how combined mass vaccine and drug administrations (MVDA) impact the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This open-label, cluster-randomized controlled trial uses a factorial design to compare the protective effects of mass drug administration, mass vaccination, combined mass vaccination and drug administration, and the current standard of care. The study aims to understand if MVDA can reduce malaria parasite prevalence in intervention villages compared to control villages without intervention. Participants will receive three rounds of antimalarial drugs consisting of dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine tablets and a single low dose of primaquine, administered over three days starting on vaccination days at months 0, 1, and 2. The vaccine used is R21/Matrix-M™, with doses adjusted by age: 10 µg of R21 and 50 µg of Matrix-M1 for participants 14 years and older, and 5 µg for younger children. Vaccines are prepared by mixing specific volumes of R21 antigen and Matrix-M1 before administration. The entire village population will be enrolled and followed for two years from the first intervention day. New residents will receive the intervention as appropriate. Researchers will collect data on malaria incidence and prevalence using PCR tests from dried blood spots at six-month intervals and clinical malaria data throughout the study. The primary outcomes focus on falciparum malaria incidence, prevalence, and overall positivity by study group over the two-year period.