Status of Malaria Vaccine Introduction-Africa, 2019-2024.

Abstract

Malaria remains the primary cause of death among children younger than 5 years old in Africa. During 2019-2023, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi piloted introduction of the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, through the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program. There are two malaria vaccines prequalified by the WHO: RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M. The vaccines are recommended for children younger than 5 years old in endemic areas, prioritizing areas of moderate to high transmission. Data on vaccine introduction and doses shipped were obtained from the WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund. As of December 2024, 17 countries in Africa had introduced the malaria vaccine with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and another eight countries had approval for Gavi support. During 2023-2024, a total of 13,250,098 vaccine doses were shipped to countries. The introduction of the malaria vaccine presents an integration opportunity with preventive health services to reduce child morbidity and mortality.