GAVI–UNICEF Deal for Easy Malaria Vaccine Access | Health & S&T UPSC Current Affairs

1. Context
• Gavi + UNICEF sign deal to make R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine cheaper and widely accessible.
• Expected savings: $90 million; vaccination for ~7 million children.
• Price to drop to $2.99 per dose.

2. Malaria

Cause:
• Plasmodium parasite (P. falciparum most lethal).

Transmission:
• Bite of infected female Anopheles mosquito.

Disease:
• Fever, chills, anaemia; severe cases → organ failure, death.
• Major burden in sub-Saharan Africa.

3. Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance (Crisp)
• Global public–private vaccine partnership (est. 2000).
• Expands immunisation in low-income nations.
• Partners: WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, governments, Gates Foundation.
• Key driver of vaccine access in the Global South.

4. Malaria Vaccines Mentioned

1. R21/Matrix-M
• Developed by Oxford + Serum Institute of India.
• Cheaper, scalable; main vaccine in new deal.

2. RTS,S/AS01
• Developed by GSK + PATH.
• First malaria vaccine (approved 2021).
• Moderate efficacy; used in several African nations.

About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive and esteemed examinations in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others. The exam comprises three stages — Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview) — designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, decision-making, and leadership skills.


How to Prepare Effectively for UPSC CSE

Cracking the UPSC CSE requires a deep understanding of the syllabus, consistent revision, structured answer writing, and smart test-taking strategies. The Prelims test analytical and conceptual clarity, the Mains focuses on critical thinking, articulation, and subject mastery, while the Interview assesses presence of mind, ethical judgment, and personality traits relevant to public service.

At Understand UPSC, we empower aspirants with a personalized and focused approach to each stage of the exam.


Why Choose Understand UPSC?

Understand UPSC is a mentorship-driven platform offering a clear, clutter-free strategy to tackle the Civil Services Examination. Our programs like Transform (for beginners and intermediate learners) and Conquer (for advanced mains preparation) provide structured study plans, syllabus-wise video content, interactive live sessions, and answer writing support.

We emphasize:

  • Concept clarity through topic-wise lectures

  • Test series designed around real UPSC standards

  • Personalized mentorship in small groups

  • Regular performance tracking and peer benchmarking

  • Doubt-clearing sessions, current affairs analysis, and monthly magazines


Join the Understand UPSC Learning Community

Our mission is to make UPSC preparation less overwhelming and more strategic. We combine mentorship, discipline, and academic rigor to help you clear CSE with confidence. Whether you’re preparing from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or a remote village — our online-first model ensures quality guidance reaches every corner of India.

Join the thousands of aspirants who trust Understand UPSC to guide their journey toward becoming civil servants.

Stay connected with us through our Telegram, YouTube, and Instagram channels for daily tips, strategies, and updates.

Copyright © 2025 USARAMBHA EDUCATION (UnderStand UPSC). All Rights Reserved.

Join the Success Journey!