Malaria Vaccine RTS,S Averts 1 in 8 Child Deaths in Pilot Countries

New research published in The Lancet shows the RTS,S malaria vaccine has begun to lower child mortality rates in the first African nations to adopt it. Between 2019 and 2023, the vaccine is estimated to have prevented 1 in 8 deaths among eligible children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. These results, gathered through the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP), demonstrate the vaccine's practical value and its capacity to protect young lives throughout the region.

Dr. Kate O’Brien, WHO Director, noted that securing consistent funding is now critical to expanding access for children most at risk of severe illness. Despite international efforts, malaria remains a major threat in Africa, where an estimated 438,000 deaths occurred in 2024 alone. Researchers believe the RTS,S vaccine could have an even more pronounced effect in other African nations currently launching their own programs, many of which face similar or even heavier malaria burdens.

To make the most of the vaccine in areas with moderate to high transmission, the WHO suggests pairing it with existing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Rolling out the vaccine has also created new openings for broader health care. Because the four-dose schedule requires several visits to health centers, providers can use those opportunities to deliver other vital childhood immunizations, including those for measles and meningitis.

The study also found that the new vaccine did not discourage families from using other health services or malaria prevention tools, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Many children who had not previously used ITNs were reached by the vaccine program, which actually expanded their access to protection. To date, 25 endemic countries in Africa have added malaria vaccines to their routine immunization schedules, aiming to reach more than 10 million children every year.

These nations stand to see substantial improvements in child health if they can match the coverage levels achieved during the pilot phase. However, a lack of funding remains a major obstacle, making it difficult for many governments to scale their programs or meet their national coverage goals. The findings highlight how vital it is to move quickly in regions where malaria is still a primary cause of death for young children.

A joint team of scientists and public health experts from the WHO and various research institutions led the evaluation. Their work points to the necessity of steady investment to support vaccine distribution and tackle the persistent burden of the disease in Africa. As more countries incorporate these vaccines into their national health strategies, the goal of significantly reducing child mortality and improving life for the most vulnerable populations moves closer to reality.