The findings, published in the lanceta highly respected medical journal, are 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 is saving 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 vaccines had been 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, Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO, calling for urgent investments to expand access.
New hope for African children
Malaria remains a leading cause of death among children under five in Africa. In 2024 alone, an estimated 438,000 African children died from the disease..
The WHO says wider use of the recommended malaria vaccines (RTS,S and the newer R21) could save tens of thousands of young lives each year if rolled out on a large scale. The impact seen in the initial three countries is expected to be matched or surpassed in other settings now introducing vaccines.
Health experts emphasize that vaccination works best when combined with other malaria control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets, testing and early treatment.
“Vaccination against malaria strengthens the response and increases access to prevention”said Dr. Daniel Ngamije Madandi, director of the department of malaria and neglected tropical diseases at WHO.
The rollout has also created opportunities to strengthen routine vaccination systems. The four-dose schedule requires multiple doctor visits, which can be used to administer other childhood vaccines and interventions, including vitamin A supplements and bed nets.
Funding gap threatens progress
Despite strong 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 the injections but also to administer them along with other essential malaria prevention tools.
With more African countries rolling out malaria vaccines, WHO is urging international partners to step up support to ensure momentum is maintained and benefits reach the most vulnerable communities.
