• Burundi Leads the Fight Against Malaria with Vaccine Rollout, Saving Lives and Offering Hope

  • Mar 19 2025
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

Burundi Leads the Fight Against Malaria with Vaccine Rollout, Saving Lives and Offering Hope

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  • Summary

  • In a significant development in the fight against malaria, Burundi has recently introduced the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization program, marking a crucial step towards reducing malaria cases and saving thousands of lives, particularly among children.

    On March 17, 2025, Burundi launched the introduction of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, targeting children aged 6 to 11 months. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Health, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO)[3].

    Malaria remains a major public health concern in Burundi, with the disease accounting for 20.9% of consultations and 59.4% of hospital deaths in recent years. Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable, with nearly half a million children under five dying from malaria each year across Africa. The introduction of the vaccine is part of a broader strategy that includes the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying to combat the disease[3].

    The RTS,S vaccine, along with the more recently approved R21/Matrix-M vaccine, has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing malaria in children. Both vaccines reduce malaria cases by more than half during the first year after vaccination and prevent around 75% of malaria episodes when given seasonally in areas of highly seasonal transmission. These vaccines are expected to have a high public health impact, potentially saving tens of thousands of young lives every year[4].

    The rollout of these vaccines is well underway, with 17 countries in Africa already introducing them into their childhood immunization programs. Additional countries are expected to follow suit in 2025, with at least 30 countries in Africa planning to introduce the malaria vaccine as part of their national malaria control strategies[4].

    Despite these advancements, the ongoing challenge of malaria is further complicated by funding cuts. The Trump administration's decision to terminate a significant portion of USAID's foreign aid contracts has left health officials in countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo warning of potential catastrophes. These countries have heavily relied on U.S. funding for malaria control programs, including the distribution of anti-malarial medicines and insecticide-treated bed nets. The disruption in these programs could lead to nearly 15 million additional malaria cases and 107,000 additional deaths globally[1].

    In parallel to vaccine efforts, researchers continue to seek new treatments for malaria. A recent study by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has identified a new target for fighting drug-resistant malaria – a cholesterol-managing protein called PfNCR1. By blocking this protein, scientists may develop drugs that the parasite finds difficult to develop resistance to, offering a promising new approach in the fight against this persistent illness[5].

    These developments highlight the multifaceted approach being taken to combat malaria, from vaccine implementation and funding support to innovative research into new treatments. As the global health community continues to work together, there is growing hope for a future where malaria is significantly reduced, if not eliminated.
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