Malaria remains one of the few diseases those continue to scourge human 
civilization despite the significant advances in disease control strategies over 
the last century. Malaria is responsible for more than 500 million cases and 1-3 
million deaths annually. Approximately 85% of these deaths are among children, 
mostly in Africa, primarily due to P. falciparum. Whole cell vaccines, 
irradiated sporozoites and genetically attenuated sporozoites have demonstrated 
long lasting, sterile protection against plasmodium infection in animal and 
experimental clinical studies. Atypical membrane protein 1 and merozoite surface 
protein 1 are the two most extensively studied asexual blood stage vaccine 
candidates. The most promising candidate vaccine under development is RTS, S 
combined with AS01 adjuvant. Initial results from phase III trials of this 
candidate vaccine show 50% reduction of malaria in 5-17 mo aged children during 
the 12 mo after vaccination. WHO anticipates that the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine will be 
recommended for the 6-14 week age group for co-administration together with 
other vaccines as part of routine immunization programs in malaria endemic 
countries. Malaria vaccine could play an important role in elimination and 
eventual eradication of malaria.