In a historic move, Mozambique has introduced the R21 malaria vaccine, a groundbreaking tool in the fight against the deadly disease. The vaccine, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), will be administered to around 300,000 children in 22 districts of Zambézia province, where malaria is most prevalent.
Mozambique’s Minister of Health, Hon Dr Armindo Tiago, hailed the launch as a significant milestone in malaria prevention among children. “The malaria vaccine is one of the latest approaches in the fight against the disease,” he said. “We aim to reduce severe malaria illness and death with this vaccine.”
The R21 vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective, reducing malaria cases by over half in children during the first year of follow-up. Mozambique is the 11th African country to offer malaria vaccines, with the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and co-financing from the government.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine is a result of pioneering work by Mozambican scientists, who led research and trials that developed the first malaria vaccine of its kind. The WHO-recommended vaccine represents a significant advancement in child health, disease control, and reduction of child mortality.
As malaria continues to be a major health challenge in Africa, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of all malaria deaths in 2022, the wider rollout of malaria vaccines is expanding access to comprehensive prevention against the disease.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
