Malaria vaccine saves children’s lives: WHO

The findings, published in Lanceta highly respected medical journal, is based on a large-scale evaluation of the RTS,S malaria vaccine introduced in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi between 2019 and 2023. The evaluation confirmed that the vaccine saves lives in real-world conditions.

The study found that over a four-year period, about one in eight deaths among eligible children could have been prevented in areas that had received vaccinations.

“This is strong evidence of the potential of malaria vaccines to change child mortality rates in Africa,” said Dr Kate O’Brien, WHO Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, called for urgent investment to expand access.

New hope for Africa’s children

Malaria is still one of the main causes of death for children under five in Africa. In 2024 alone, an estimated 438,000 African children will die from this disease.

WHO says that wider use of the recommended malaria vaccines – RTS,S and the newer R21 – could save tens of thousands of young lives every year if used on a large scale. The impact observed in the first three countries is expected to be equaled or exceeded by other countries that have now introduced the vaccine.

Health experts emphasize that vaccination works best when combined with other malaria control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets, testing and timely treatment.

“Malarial vaccination strengthens the response and increasing access to prevention,” said Dr Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Director of the WHO Department of Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases.

This launch also creates an opportunity to strengthen the routine immunization system. This four-dose schedule requires multiple wellness visits, which can be used to administer vaccines and other pediatric interventions, including vitamin A supplements and mosquito nets.

Funding gaps threaten progress

Despite high demand and supply, WHO warns that funding remains a major obstacle to reaching all children at risk: countries need sustained investment not only to purchase the vaccine but also to provide it alongside other important malaria prevention tools.

As more African countries roll out malaria vaccines, WHO urges international partners to scale up support to ensure momentum is maintained and benefits reach the most vulnerable communities.