• Malaria Vaccines: The Key to Combating a Global Health Crisis

  • Mar 22 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Malaria Vaccines: The Key to Combating a Global Health Crisis

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  • Summary

  • In recent days, the global health community has been keenly focused on the ongoing efforts to combat malaria, particularly through the advancement and implementation of malaria vaccines.

    As of the latest updates, the World Health Organization (WHO) has continued to emphasize the critical role of malaria vaccines in reducing the burden of this disease. The RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines, both recommended by the WHO, have shown significant efficacy in preventing malaria in children. These vaccines have been proven to reduce malaria cases by more than half during the first year after vaccination, a period when children are at the highest risk of illness and death. A fourth dose given in the second year of life prolongs this protection, and when administered seasonally in areas of highly seasonal transmission, these vaccines can prevent around 75% of malaria episodes[4].

    The rollout of these vaccines is well underway, with 17 countries in Africa having introduced them into their childhood immunization programs as of December 2024. Additional countries are expected to follow suit in 2025. The demand for these vaccines is unprecedented, with at least 30 countries in Africa planning to introduce them as part of their national malaria control strategies. The availability of two safe and effective vaccines has ensured sufficient supply to meet this high demand[4].

    However, despite these positive developments, global health disruptions, particularly those resulting from the US withdrawal from the WHO and the freezing of US Agency for International Development (USAID) funds, have posed significant challenges. These disruptions have led to stockouts, delayed deliveries, and insufficient funding for malaria diagnostics, medications, and insecticide-treated bed nets. According to WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, if these disruptions continue, it could result in an additional 15 million cases of malaria and 107,000 deaths this year alone, reversing 15 years of progress[1].

    In the context of these challenges, the introduction and scaling up of malaria vaccines become even more crucial. Modelling estimates suggest that these vaccines could prevent up to half a million child deaths over 12 years if scaled up to all Gavi-eligible countries. The cost-effectiveness of these vaccines, especially the R21 vaccine which is less expensive than RTS,S, makes them a highly viable option for malaria control[4].

    In summary, while the recent advancements in malaria vaccines offer a beacon of hope in the fight against this devastating disease, ongoing global health disruptions underscore the need for sustained and robust support to ensure the continued progress in malaria control and elimination efforts.
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