As of 25 April 2025, 20 countries in Africa have introduced malaria vaccines into their routine immunisation programmes with Gavi support.
As of 25 April 2025, 20 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 25 April 2025, over 24 million doses have been delivered to 20 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.
“A huge step forward”: malaria vaccines roll out in Mali
Mali is taking a historic step by introducing an anti-malaria vaccine through a novel approach. Driven by the commitment of health workers, local communities and religious leaders, the introduction raises hopes for a safer future for children.
Could malaria vaccination reduce childhood cancer rates in Africa?
A new study has explained the mysterious link between malaria and Burkitt lymphoma.
4 things you need to know about how vaccines are fighting malaria
A new Gavi report analyses how the roll-out of this revolutionary new vaccine is panning out in countries across Africa, and how we can maximise its impact in the future.
Flying malaria vaccines reach isolated Nigerian communities
Drone deliveries have made it possible to get malaria vaccines to 20,000 children – and counting – in otherwise tough-to-reach settlements across Bayelsa state.
Malaria vaccination sees child deaths drop in Kenya’s lake region
In Kenya’s lake region, malaria vaccination has contributed to a drop in both mortality and disease severity among kids, experts confirm.
Q&A: Unlocking the malaria parasite’s genetic code
The genetic diversity of the malaria parasite could hold the key to malaria treatment and research in Africa.
"A wonderful development": in malaria-plagued northern Nigeria, the vaccine’s arrival brings joy
The emotional and financial distress of having a child down with malaria is regrettably familiar to residents of Kaura community in Kebbi state, who hope that’s set to change.
Could a drug make our blood toxic to mosquitoes?
Scientists have found that an existing drug used to treat rare diseases could also help to suppress mosquito populations and control malaria.
Mothers hail historic malaria vaccination roll-out in Burundi
As the rains loom, threatening a new malaria season, parents of some of Burundi’s youngest denizens know their children are better protected than ever before.
Nigeria’s first malaria vaccine roll-out is greeted by an expectant population
The race to save Nigeria’s children from malaria has received a major boost with the introduction of R21/Matrix-M vaccine. Afeez Bolaji reports on the progress of the first roll-out in Kebbi and Bayelsa states.
Cameroon’s historic malaria vaccine introduction shows signs of success, one year on
A year ago, Cameroon kicked off a wave of ground-breaking malaria vaccination campaigns. With nearly 140,000 kids now vaccinated across the country, authorities are already seeing the impact.
In the DRC, the malaria vaccine ushers in a new chapter in the fight against the disease
Congolese families express hope that an additional layer of protection will make all the difference against the killer infection.
