As of 18 September 2025, 23 countries in Africa have introduced malaria vaccines into their routine immunisation programmes with Gavi support.
As of 18 September 2025, 23 countries in Africa have introduced malaria vaccines into their routine immunisation programmes with Gavi support.
In December 2021, the Gavi Board made history by approving funding to support the roll-out of the world’s first malaria vaccine – nearly 35 years in development – in sub-Saharan Africa in 2022–2025. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine is estimated to save 1 life for every 200 children vaccinated.
Consistent funding and investment are crucial to ensure this new, vital tool reaches equally all those who need it. As long as resources are available, Gavi pledges its continued commitment and support to the fight against one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.
Children aged under five years are at the greatest risk of dying from malaria and account for more than 75% of the global deaths from the disease. Unlike adults, young children have not had the opportunity to develop partial immunity through years of exposure, making them particularly at risk.
In 2023 alone, malaria caused 597,000 deaths globally, and 432,000 child deaths in Africa – highlighting the urgent need to protect our youngest and most vulnerable. The African region shoulders the heaviest malaria burden globally, accounting for about 94% of all cases and 95% of deaths, according to WHO data.
As of September 2025, over 31 million doses have been delivered to 23 endemic countries in Africa which have introduced malaria vaccines into routine immunisation with Gavi support:
Malaria vaccine safety and effectiveness: Both the RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines are prequalified and recommended by WHO to prevent malaria in children and are safe and effective.
“An act of health justice”: Guinea's children receive the malaria vaccine
It’s still the leading cause of death among children under five in Guinea. As the country’s malaria vaccination programme gets going, leaders hope the parasitic infection will soon be in retreat.
From theatre to TikTok: how a Kenyan youth group is tackling malaria
The Kenya Malaria Youth Corps are bringing a Gen Z flavour to awareness campaigns against the mosquito-borne bug.
Malaria education could reduce cases by over a fifth, study finds
A trial in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire shows that teaching prevention strategies alongside the use of bed-nets reduced malaria cases as effectively as spraying homes with insecticides.
Uganda’s malaria vaccination programme is picking up pace
Families and health leaders say community health workers deserve much of the credit for rising uptake.
Malaria vaccine cuts costs, crowds and caregiver fatigue in Nigeria’s Kebbi State
Nigeria’s new malaria vaccine shows early promise in Kebbi State, delivering both a significant reduction in childhood cases, as well as relief for health workers and families alike.
First malaria treatment for babies is a major step to ending the disease in Africa – biochemist
A recently approved drug for malaria treatment offers hope to millions of children who suffer from the disease in Africa.
Introducing the Malaria Vaccine In Nigeria
In December 2024, Magnum photographer Jérôme Sessini traveled to Nigeria to document the historic introduction of the malaria vaccine, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
Medicines for Africa: with cutting-edge research, Ghana is at the forefront
In Ghana, a state-of-the-art university laboratory is training a new generation of African scientists to develop treatments for malaria, tuberculosis and cancer.
Tropical cyclones trigger malaria spikes in Madagascar
New research highlights the need to strengthen malaria control in climate-vulnerable regions.
Malaria-free Suriname offers hope for Amazon neighbours
Suriname, South America's smallest country, is covered almost entirely by rainforest, providing ideal conditions for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
Malaria deaths spiked during the pandemic, study finds
The colossal strain put on health services by COVID-19 led to collateral damage that is still emerging today, according to a new study.
How the malaria vaccine came to the world’s most mosquito-bitten district
After recording the most infectious mosquito bites globally – estimated at 1,500 per person a year – Uganda’s Apac district is rolling out the malaria vaccine to babies and toddlers.
