1Day Africa, an advocacy organization dedicated to accelerating life-saving medical research, has raised concerns about the slow pace of malaria vaccine deployment across Africa. The R21 malaria vaccine holds great promise in contributing to the elimination of this deadly disease, but outdated and non-existent regulations are hindering its rapid distribution, leaving millions vulnerable.
According to the 2024 World Malaria Report by the World Health Organisation, Africa accounted for approximately 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of global malaria deaths. Vaccines offer a powerful tool to significantly reduce this burden, but their impact is limited by regulatory delays. Zacharia Kafuko, 1Day Sooner Africa’s Director, emphasizes the need for urgent action:
“Malaria vaccines have the potential to save countless lives, but their impact is severely limited by the slow pace of deployment, aided by slow operational and regulatory processes. Regulations, lack of funding, and shrinking political will are delaying the deployment of these lifesaving vaccines, leaving millions of children at risk. We need urgent action to streamline and harmonize these processes to ensure vaccines reach those who need them most.”
Call to Action
1Day Sooner is calling on African governments and regulatory bodies to:
- Harmonize and Expedite Regulatory Processes: Adopt best practices and leverage international expertise to accelerate the review and approval of malaria vaccines.
- Increase International Collaboration and Funding: Work towards innovative and increased funding for the fight against malaria.
- Engage Local Communities: Build sustainable trust in vaccines and address concerns or misconceptions.
The Impact of Malaria
Malaria continues to devastate African communities, particularly children. According to the World Health Organization, there were an estimated 263 million new malaria cases and 597,000 malaria deaths globally in 2023, with the WHO African Region shouldering the heaviest burden. Kafuko stresses that malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, and with the right tools, it can be eliminated:
“Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, and we have the tools needed to eliminate it. But we need urgent action to overcome regulatory, operational, and financial hurdles delaying the deployment of lifesaving vaccines. On this World Malaria Day, we call on governments, policymakers, and international organizations to prioritize and expedite malaria vaccine rollout in Africa.”
Funding Gap
A significant funding gap threatens the timely distribution of malaria vaccines to millions of vulnerable children in Africa. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has allocated $1.5 billion, covering only one-third of the estimated $4-5 billion needed to vaccinate all eligible children by 2030. This gap is particularly pronounced in high-burden countries like Nigeria, which accounts for a third of global malaria deaths.
The global fight against malaria requires immediate attention and action. With the R21 vaccine priced at just $3.90 per dose and capable of saving one life for every $4,200 spent, it’s crucial to bridge the funding gap and ensure equitable access to malaria vaccines.