Malaria vaccine moves towards routine immunisation in Africa — WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the delivery of 331,200 doses of the first approved malaria vaccine, RTS, S, to Yaounde, Cameroon, marking a pivotal step in extending vaccination to high-risk regions of Africa. This delivery, initially part of a pilot program, signifies the vaccine’s transition into routine immunization, with doses set to be administered starting in the first quarter of 2024.

While Nigeria awaits WHO approval, the vaccine’s arrival in Cameroon indicates its expansion beyond the pilot phase, with 1.7 million additional doses expected in Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone soon. The malaria burden, predominantly in Africa, witnesses about 95% of global cases and 96% of related deaths, mainly impacting children under five.

Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have already administered the RTS, S vaccine, witnessing a 13% reduction in child mortality, along with decreased severe malaria cases and hospitalizations. The success of this pilot, coordinated by WHO in collaboration with partners like Gavi and UNICEF, informed the recent recommendation of another malaria vaccine, R21, by WHO.

R21, currently under WHO review, has shown promising results in reducing malaria cases among children, providing an additional tool in combating the disease. These advancements aim to meet the high demand for malaria vaccines in Africa and potentially save tens of thousands of lives annually.

David Marlow, CEO of Gavi, expressed pride in investing in malaria vaccination, highlighting the significance of this historic vaccine. UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, likened vaccine introduction to adding a star player in the fight against malaria, while WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the life-saving potential for millions of children at risk.

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, recognized the significance of scaling up malaria vaccination, emphasizing its role in protecting children from severe forms of the disease. Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Sands, welcomed the vaccine’s potential to prevent malaria-related deaths, acknowledging its importance in the context of existing tools.

The arrival of the RTS, S vaccine in Cameroon signifies a significant leap in malaria control efforts, with prominent global health figures stressing the urgent need for widespread vaccination to mitigate the devastating impact of malaria on African children.