AfricaTopSuccess They make Africa
Some 18 million doses of the first RTS,S malaria vaccine will be delivered to 12 African countries until 2025, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) announced on Wednesday.
“Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases in Africa, where it kills almost half a million children under the age of 5 every year,” said WHO chief Dr Tedros. Adhanom Ghebreyesus, at a press conference.
The RTS,S vaccine – developed by British pharmaceutical group GSK – has already been given to more than 1.7 million children in three African countries – Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, as part of a pilot programme.
“It has been shown to be safe and effective, leading to a substantial reduction in severe forms of malaria and a drop in child deaths,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Nearly 30 African countries have indicated they want to receive doses.
In 2021, 96% of malaria deaths worldwide occurred in Africa.
