A vaccine for Africa’s children

Nearly every minute, a child under age five dies of malaria in Africa. That’s more than 1,000 young children every single day. And that’s why PATH developed the world’s first malaria vaccine (RTS,S) specifically for African children.

Today, the vaccine is already in use through a pilot program in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, where more than 2 million children have received at least one dose. Data from this pilot program demonstrates that the vaccine not only reduces malaria cases, but also provides protection to children who lack access to other preventive measures, such as bed nets.

The World Health Organization has recommended the RTS,S vaccine for wider use, but expanding access requires funding—to create enough supply, to support vaccination campaigns, and to continue post-introduction research. PATH is already leading studies on the vaccine’s use and acceptability to ensure it meets communities’ needs.

Young Elian became the first child vaccinated with the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine through a pilot introduction that began in Kenya in 2019. Credit: World Health Organization

Young Elian became the first child vaccinated with the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine through a pilot introduction that began in Kenya in 2019. Credit: World Health Organization

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