Millions More Children to Be Protected Against Malaria

Three African countries have just launched a vaccine to fight one of the continent’s most deadly diseases.

“Today we celebrate more children gaining access to a new lifesaving tool to fight one of Africa’s deadliest diseases. This introduction of 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,” says Chief Program Officer at Gavi, Aurelia Nguyen.

Malaria remains a huge health challenge in Africa, carrying 70 per cent of the global burden of the disease. In 2022, the region accounted for 95 per cent of all malaria-related deaths. The three West African nations of Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone join five other African countries that have already rolled out the malaria vaccine as part of their childhood immunization programs. For their first rollout, Benin received 215,900 doses, Liberia welcomed 112,000 doses, and Sierra Leone has already administered 555,000 doses. These rollouts are just the beginning of many much-needed doses that will be necessary to tackle one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.