Malaria continues to threaten millions of people around the world. Africa bears a disproportionate share of malaria cases—making up 95 percent of all malaria cases and 96 percent of deaths. Children under 5 years old are among the most vulnerable, accounting for 80 percent of the malaria deaths in the region.[1]
Fortunately, a powerful new tool is available in the fight against malaria: a vaccine called ‘RTS,S’, which offers protection against Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest and most prevalent malaria parasite.
Studies have demonstrated that the vaccine prevents up to 39 percent of malaria cases overall, and 29 percent of severe cases.[2]
In October 2021, WHO made the landmark recommendation for widespread use of the vaccine in children in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions.
This recommendation was informed by the findings of the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP), which conducted pilot programmes in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi to assess the feasibility of administering the the four-dose RTS,S vaccine.
The MVIP coordinated the introduction of the vaccine through routine national immunization programmes in the three countries, implemented under the leadership of the ministries of health of Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.