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Geneva – Nearly 10 million doses of a groundbreaking malaria vaccine have been delivered to African countries during the first year of routine immunization, the Gavi vaccine alliance announced Wednesday. This milestone comes after a successful pilot program that demonstrated significant reductions in severe malaria illness and deaths.
Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, remains a major public health threat, claiming nearly 600,000 lives annually, with children in Africa bearing the brunt of the impact.
The RTS,S vaccine, developed by GlaxoSmithKline, has shown promise in reducing malaria’s burden. Following a successful pilot phase in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, routine vaccination programs have been launched in these countries and 14 others, starting in Cameroon in January 2024.
Gavi reported that over 9.8 million doses have been administered since the rollout, providing some level of protection to an estimated five million children. The program aims to administer four doses to each child, prioritizing those at the highest risk in each country.
Early results from Cameroon are encouraging, with a notable reduction in deaths among children under five.
“In a high-burden country like Cameroon, where malaria claims more than 13,000 lives each year, every reduction in cases, deaths, and hospital consultations translates to lives saved,” emphasized Gavi chief Sania Nishtar.
Expanding Coverage
Gavi plans to expand the vaccination program to up to eight more African countries this year, aiming to protect an additional 13 million children. From 2026 to 2030, the alliance aims to help countries protect a further 50 million children with the malaria vaccine.
Malaria Burden in Africa
Africa carries the heaviest burden of malaria globally, accounting for approximately 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. While the number of deaths has slightly decreased, the disease remains a significant public health challenge, particularly for children under five.
Key Points:
- Nearly 10 million malaria vaccine doses delivered in Africa during the first year of routine immunization.
- Pilot program demonstrated significant reductions in severe malaria.
- Routine vaccination now underway in 17 African countries.
- Gavi aims to expand coverage to protect millions more children.
- Addressing malaria remains a critical priority for public health in Africa.
This news article provides a concise summary of the key developments in the malaria vaccine rollout in Africa, highlighting the importance of this initiative in combating this deadly disease.
