Key Vaccine Becomes Accessible to Millions More Children

A new malaria vaccine from India will lower supply costs, enabling wider immunisation of children across low-income countries from 2026.

“This agreement shows what is possible when partners work creatively to protect children, even in times of financial pressure,” said Leila Pakkala, Director of Supply at UNICEF.

The deal reduces the price of the R21 malaria vaccine by 25%, from about $4 to $2.99 per dose, saving an estimated $90 million over 5 years. Those savings are expected to fund around 30 million additional doses, reaching up to seven million more children. With malaria still killing more than 500,000 people each year, mostly children under five in sub-Saharan Africa, the price cut significantly improves access to prevention at a time when global aid budgets are under strain and treatment costs often exceed the price of full vaccination.