Daijiworld Media Network – Geneva

Geneva, Nov 25: Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF have announced a major agreement that will make the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine far more affordable and accessible, paving the way to protect millions more children across Africa.

The new deal—backed by Gavi and implemented by UNICEF—is expected to save up to USD 90 million for Gavi and participating countries. This saving is equivalent to more than 30 million extra doses, allowing nearly seven million additional children to be fully vaccinated over the next five years. The move is supported through advance funding provided by the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm).

Under the agreement, the price of the R21 vaccine will drop to USD 2.99 per dose, expected to take effect within a year.

Gavi plays a key role in financing, procuring and integrating malaria vaccines into national immunisation programmes. More than 40 million doses have already been delivered through Gavi-supported programmes, now part of routine immunisation in 24 African nations that carry over 70% of the global malaria burden.

UNICEF, the world’s largest vaccine buyer, delivers nearly three billion doses annually and works closely with manufacturers to secure the lowest possible prices for countries in need.

WHO currently has two prequalified malaria vaccines — R21/Matrix-M and RTS,S/AS01. Both are recommended for children and have shown strong safety and effectiveness. In Phase-3 trials, the vaccines reduced malaria cases by more than half during the first year after vaccination, a period when young children face the highest risk. A fourth dose in the second year of life extends protection.

When administered seasonally in high-transmission areas, both vaccines have been shown to cut malaria cases by around 75%, offering lifesaving protection where it is needed most.