First-Ever Malaria Vaccine Is Protecting a Million Children – and Counting!

Over a million children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have received at least one dose of the world’s first malaria vaccine — thanks to a program that was first launched in 2019 and coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Malaria vaccine pilot programs have certified that the vaccine is safe and feasible to deliver and that it substantially reduces deadly severe malaria.

“As a malaria researcher in my early career, I dreamed of the day we would have an effective vaccine against this devastating disease,” says WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Abhanom Ghebreyesus, adding, “This vaccine is not just a scientific breakthrough, it’s life-changing for families across Africa. It demonstrates the power of science and innovation for health.”

The WHO estimates that the vaccine could save the lives of between 40,000 to 80,000 African children each year should it be widely available and deployed. What’s more, the collection and analysis of malaria data are helping researchers better understand the geographical spread of the disease. The data is being used to create individual, tailored packages — rather than employing a one-size-fits-all approach to malaria control — that will allow countries to use their available funds in a more effective and efficient manner.