The world’s first malaria vaccine will soon be available across sub-Saharan Africa, according to vaccine developer partners PATH, as positive results from the pioneering vaccine mount.

The vaccine, known as RTS,S/AS01E and marketed under the brand name Mosquirix, targets children as more than three-quarters of malaria deaths occur in children under five, according to the latest report from the WHO.

Results from a WHO pilot project held in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi showed that the pioneering vaccine resulted in a significant reduction in severe malaria and hospitalizations among vaccinated children.

This means that more countries in sub-Saharan Africa will soon receive the vaccine, says John Bawa, Africa vaccine implementation manager at the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH).

These findings pave the way for an expanded distribution program that will see countries like Mozambique, Nigeria and Zambia receive the vaccines, Bawa said during a webinar held in commemoration of World Malaria Day.

“The next is to roll out the vaccine to other endemic countries. Countries interested in the vaccine should apply to GAVI from June to September,” he said during the webinar hosted by the African Research Network. on Media and Malaria (AMMREN), PATH and Kintampo Health Research Center (KHRC).

“Countries like Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia and Nigeria have already written officially to express their interest in the vaccine,” Bawa said.

He said malaria vaccination coverage in Malawi was 88% in 2020 and 93% in 2021. In Ghana it was 71% in 2020 and 76% in 2021 and in Kenya it was 69% in 2021. 2020 and 83%. % in 2021.

“These numbers indicate strong community demand and the ability of childhood immunization platforms to effectively deliver the vaccine to children,” Bawa said.

Currently, 1 million children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have received at least one dose of the first malaria vaccine.

These vaccines were distributed as part of a pilot project organized by WHO. The organization has now recommended the use of the vaccine in children in areas with moderate to high rates of malaria transmission.

This vaccine is not only a scientific breakthrough, it is changing the lives of families across Africa. This demonstrates the power of science and innovation for health.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO

Vaccine supply

As part of an agreement to boost vaccine supply and coverage, GlaxoSmithKline, producer of the RTS,S vaccine, will transfer the technology and patent to Bharat Biotech in India to manufacture the vaccines.

WHO, in a press release, said more than US$155 million had been secured from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support the introduction, procurement and delivery of the malaria vaccine for Gavi-eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The organization said it would provide advice to countries considering using vaccines to reduce childhood illnesses and deaths from malaria.

“For some countries, Gavi pays around 80% [of the] cost of the vaccine, while the country’s government is expected to pay [remaining] 20%,” Bawa said.

Wellington Oyibo, director of the Center for Malaria Diagnosis, Research, Capacity Building and Policy at the University of Lagos, urged African leaders to ensure their matching funds are available to purchase the vaccine.

He said the Nigerian government and Prince Malaria Ned Nwoko Foundation eradication project asked to buy the vaccine for Nigerian children.

Oyibo said that although the initial rollout of the vaccine may not go around the country, the Nigerian government first selected the states most affected by malaria.