Progress in the Fight Against Malaria: 18 Million Doses of First-Ever Malaria Vaccine Allocated to Twelve African Countries

Malaria continues to pose a significant health challenge in Africa, resulting in numerous deaths each year, particularly among children under the age of 5. However, there is now renewed hope in the fight against this deadly disease as twelve countries across the continent have been designated to receive a total of 18 million doses of the first-ever malaria vaccine over the next two years. This groundbreaking rollout represents a crucial step forward in combating one of the leading causes of death in Africa.

The allocations of the malaria vaccine have been determined through a framework that prioritizes areas of highest need, specifically targeting regions where the risk of malaria illness and mortality among children is the greatest. The framework ensures that limited vaccine supplies are allocated in a manner that maximizes their impact on the most vulnerable populations.

Since 2019, the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP) has been effectively delivering the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. Coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and Unitaid, this initiative has already administered the vaccine to over 1.7 million children in these countries. The vaccine has proven to be both safe and effective, leading to a substantial reduction in severe malaria cases and child deaths. This success has prompted significant interest from at least 28 African countries in receiving the malaria vaccine.

In addition to Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, the initial 18 million dose allocation will now allow nine more countries – Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Uganda – to introduce the vaccine into their routine immunization programs. This expansion is made possible through the vaccine supply available to Gavi, Vaccine Alliance via UNICEF. The delivery of the first doses is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2023, with countries commencing their vaccination campaigns by early 2024.

The potential impact of the malaria vaccine in reducing malaria-related deaths is significant. Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, highlights the importance of utilizing the available doses effectively to prevent future deaths. The long-term goal is to prevent tens of thousands of deaths annually by deploying the vaccine alongside other interventions.

Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, claiming the lives of nearly half a million children under the age of 5 each year. The continent accounts for approximately 95% of global malaria cases and 96% of malaria-related deaths in 2021.

Ephrem T Lemango, UNICEF Associate Director of Immunization, emphasizes the significance of this vaccine rollout, as it will offer children, especially in Africa, a better chance at survival. As the supply increases, the aim is to extend the life-saving benefits to even more children.

Dr. Kate O’Brien, WHO Director of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals, highlights the transformative role of the malaria vaccine in improving child health and survival. The high demand for the vaccine and the extensive reach of childhood immunization programs will enhance access to malaria prevention, saving the lives of many young individuals.

The limited supply of the new malaria vaccine in the initial years necessitated the development of an allocation framework based on ethical principles and solidarity. Expert advisors, primarily from Africa, were convened to support the framework’s development, ensuring that doses are allocated where the need is greatest.

The global demand for malaria vaccines is projected to reach 40-60 million doses by 2026 and increase to 80-100 million doses annually by 2030. In addition to the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine developed by GSK and supplied by Bharat Biotech, there is also anticipation for the prequalification of a second vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII). Gavi has outlined its roadmap to support the increased supply required to meet the growing demand.

The allocation of 18 million doses of the first-ever malaria vaccine to twelve African countries represents a significant milestone in the fight against malaria. This crucial step forward offers hope for the reduction of malaria-related deaths, particularly among children, who are the most vulnerable to this deadly disease. By prioritizing areas of highest need and expanding coverage, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities across the continent. The continued commitment and collaboration of organizations such as WHO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF, alongside the engagement of African countries, are vital in realizing the potential of this groundbreaking vaccine and ultimately achieving the goal of eradicating malaria in Africa.