R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine: Evidence to recommendations framework, 2023

Overview

Malaria is one of the leading causes of childhood illness and deaths in Africa. All malaria control interventions provide only partial protection against malaria and the highest impact is achieved when interventions are strategically used together. The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine was recommended by WHO in 2021 to prevent malaria in children living in regions with moderate-to-high P. falciparum malaria transmission. As of August 2023, over 1.8 million children have received at least 1 dose of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine through phased introductions that began in 2019 in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. Results from pilot evaluations in those three countries (recommended by WHO in 2015) affirm the malaria vaccine is feasible to deliver, is safe and reduces childhood malaria, hospitalizations, and deaths.