In a significant step forward in the fight against malaria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to its list of ‘prequalified’ vaccines, paving the way for its bulk procurement and mass deployment in malaria-endemic regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. The recommendation to include the vaccine for the prevention of malaria in children was made in October 2023 following the guidance of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group.
The prequalification of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, is expected to greatly expand access to malaria vaccination, addressing the high demand for malaria vaccines, particularly in African countries where malaria is a significant public health risk. This significant move, which follows the prequalification of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in 2022, is anticipated to enhance the supply and meet the growing demand for vaccine doses. The endorsement by WHO positions the R21/Matrix-M vaccine as a key tool in preventing malaria in children, providing hope for better malaria control and prevention efforts in the years to come.
The availability of a second prequalified malaria vaccine is crucial in light of limited supplies of the existing RTS,S vaccine, significantly expanding the tools available for malaria prevention. With prequalification by WHO, the R21/Matrix-M vaccine has also become a prerequisite for vaccine procurement by UNICEF and can receive funding support for deployment by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
This milestone marks a significant step in the global effort to combat malaria, as the R21/Matrix-M vaccine is now set to be deployed in mass vaccination programs across malaria-endemic countries, bringing hope for reducing the burden of malaria, particularly in regions where access to malaria prevention measures is crucial.
