In a landmark achievement for public health, Africa’s malaria vaccination program has delivered 10 million doses across several countries, marking a significant step in the fight against one of the continent’s deadliest diseases. The rollout of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, has been part of a coordinated effort by the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and national health ministries to reduce the burden of malaria, especially among children under five years old.
The initiative, launched in 2021 in select African nations including Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, has expanded rapidly. In 2024, additional countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania began administering the vaccine as part of their immunization programs. The vaccine targets Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. With malaria claiming over 600,000 lives annually on the continent, the program’s impact has been hailed as a breakthrough in global health.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the significance of the milestone. Reaching 10 million doses is a testament to the commitment of African governments, health workers, and international partners in the fight against malaria. This vaccine provides a new tool to protect our most vulnerable children under five, who account for the majority of malaria deaths in Africa.
The vaccine is administered in four doses, with health authorities focusing on high-burden areas where malaria transmission is most intense. In Malawi, for instance, vaccination campaigns have seen an 80% reduction in malaria-related hospitalizations among children in targeted regions. Similar success stories have been reported in Kenya, where vaccine coverage has exceeded initial expectations in pilot districts.
However, challenges remain. Funding constraints, logistical hurdles, and vaccine hesitancy in some communities have slowed the program’s progress. Health workers have been mobilized to conduct awareness campaigns, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Community leaders and local influencers have played a key role in dispelling myths and encouraging parents to vaccinate their children.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged additional financial support to scale up production and distribution of Mosquirix. The Serum Institute of India, a key manufacturer, has ramped up production to meet growing demand. Meanwhile, research continues on the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which promises higher efficacy and is expected to complement the existing rollout in the coming years.
The milestone of 10 million doses is being celebrated as a public health victory, but experts stress the importance of integrating the vaccine into broader malaria control strategies. Bed nets, insecticides, and access to prompt diagnosis and treatment remain critical in the fight against malaria.
Looking ahead, African leaders and global health organizations are calling for sustained investments to ensure the malaria vaccine reaches every eligible child across the continent. As vaccination programs expand, the goal of drastically reducing malaria deaths in Africa is becoming increasingly achievable, offering hope for a healthier future for millions.
