The results, published in The Lanceta widely respected medical journal, is based on a large-scale evaluation of the RTS,S malaria vaccine introduced in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi between 2019 and 2023. They confirm that the vaccine saves lives under real-world conditions.
The study found that over the four-year period, about one in eight deaths among eligible young children were prevented in areas where vaccinations had been given.
“This is very strong evidence of the potential of malaria vaccines to change the trajectory of child mortality in Africa,” said Dr. Kate O’Brien, WHO Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biology, calling for rapid investment to expand access.
Fresh hope for African children
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five in Africa. In 2024 alone, an estimated 438,000 African children died from the disease.
WHO says wider use of recommended malaria vaccines – RTS,S and the newer R21 – could save tens of thousands of young lives each year if implemented on a large scale. The effect observed in the first three countries is expected to be matched or exceeded in other settings now introducing the vaccines.
Health experts stress that vaccination works best when combined with other malaria control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets, testing and timely treatment.
“Malaria vaccination strengthens the response and increases access to prevention,” said Dr. Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Director of the WHO Division of Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases.
The rollout has also created opportunities to strengthen routine immunization systems. The four-dose schedule requires multiple health visits, which can be used to deliver other childhood vaccines and interventions, including vitamin A supplements and mosquito nets.
Funding gaps threaten progress
Despite strong demand and adequate supply, the WHO warns that funding remains a major barrier to reaching all children at risk: countries need sustained investment not only to buy shots but also to deliver them along with other key malaria prevention tools.
With more African nations now rolling out malaria vaccines, WHO is calling on international partners to increase support to ensure momentum is maintained and benefits reach the most vulnerable communities.
