The results, published in The 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. They confirm that the vaccine saves lives in real-world conditions.
The study found that over the four-year period, about one in eight deaths among eligible young children was prevented in areas where vaccinations were administered.
“This is very strong evidence of the potential of malaria vaccines to change the trajectory of child mortality in Africa.said Dr Kate O’Brien, WHO director for immunization, vaccines and biologicals, calling for urgent investments to expand access.
A new hope for African children
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five in Africa. In 2024 alone, an estimated 438,000 African children will die from the disease..
The WHO says wider use of recommended malaria vaccines – RTS, S and the newer R21 – could save tens of thousands of young lives each year if deployed widely. The impact seen in the first three countries is expected to be matched, or even exceeded, in other contexts currently introducing vaccines.
Health experts emphasize that vaccination works best when combined with other malaria control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets, testing and rapid treatment.
“Vaccination against malaria strengthens the response and increases access to preventionsaid Dr Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Director of WHO’s Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Department.
The rollout has also created opportunities to strengthen routine immunization systems. The four-dose schedule requires multiple health visits, which can be used to administer other childhood vaccines and interventions, including vitamin A supplements and bed nets.
Funding gap threatens progress
Despite high demand and sufficient supply, WHO warns that financing remains a major barrier to reaching all children at risk: countries need sustained investment not only to purchase vaccines, but also to administer them alongside other essential malaria prevention tools.
As more African countries now roll out malaria vaccines, WHO is urging international partners to scale up their support to ensure momentum is maintained and benefits reach the most vulnerable communities.
