Call for pregnant women to be vaccinated against Malaria
Researchers have identified a target for a vaccine against malaria in pregnant women.
A team of researchers has found that women who are normally immune to malaria are made vulnerable to it during pregnancy by a molecule that is made by the placenta.
The molecule binds to another, which the scientists have proved is produced by the malaria parasite.
Most people living in areas where malaria is endemic develop immunity by the time they are adults but pregnant mothers are an exception.
The researchers believe that vaccinating women will give them immunity to infection during pregnancy.
Pregnancy-associated malaria is responsible for high levels of disease and illness.
Estimates suggest that about 2 500 mothers and 300 000 fetuses and infants die from malaria each year