The rollout of malaria vaccines across Africa has delivered nearly 10 million doses, providing protection to an estimated five million children, according to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
After a successful pilot phase (2019–2023) in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, where the RTS,S vaccine significantly reduced severe malaria cases, hospitalizations, and mortality by 13%, routine vaccination began in 17 countries, starting with Cameroon in January 2024.
Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, kills nearly 600,000 people annually, with 76% of fatalities occurring in children under five. WHO now recommends both RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M vaccines to combat the disease.
Gavi aims to expand vaccination efforts to up to eight more African nations in 2025, targeting an additional 13 million children. Between 2026 and 2030, the program aims to protect 50 million children with four vaccine doses each, prioritizing those at highest risk.
Malaria deaths fell slightly from 600,000 in 2022 to 597,000 in 2023, signaling progress in the fight against the disease.
