Three More Countries Offer Children Malaria Vaccinations

In an essential step forward for malaria prevention in Africa, Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone today announced the launching of large-scale malaria vaccinations targeting millions of children across the three West African nations.

Today's launch confirms eight countries on the African continent have the opportunity to offer malaria vaccinations.

As of April 25, 2024, more than 30 countries in the African region are scheduled to roll out malaria vaccinations over the next year through support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended Mosquirix™ (RTS,S/AS01) and R21 / Matrix-M™ malaria vaccines.

A pilot malaria vaccine program in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi reached over two million children from 2019 to 2023, showing a significant reduction in malaria illness, a 13% drop in overall child mortality, and substantial reductions in hospitalizations. 

Aurelia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, commented in a press release, "Today we celebrate more children gaining access to a new lifesaving tool to fight one of Africa's deadliest diseases."

"Introducing malaria vaccines into routine programs in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone alongside other proven interventions will help save lives and offer relief to families, communities, and hard-pressed health systems."

As of April 2024, neither malaria vaccine is available in the United States.

Malaria outbreaks remain a considerable health challenge in the African region, which is home to 11 countries that carry approximately 70% of the global burden of malaria.

According to the World Malaria Report 2023, the region accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of all malaria deaths in 2022.

In the U.S., about 2,000 travel-related malaria cases are reported annually. In the State of Florida, travel-related and locally acquired malaria cases have been reported over the past year.

To receive local travel vaccine recommendations, PassportHealth Tampa offers pre-departure advice.