Over one million children from three African countries have received doses of the world’s first malaria vaccine.
The World Health Organization made the announcement ahead of 2022 World Malaria Day tomorrow April 25.
WHO believe children from Ghana, Kenya and Malawi who have received at least one dose of the vaccine would be protected from the disease.
The pilot phase of the vaccination was first embraced by the Government of Malawi in April 2019.
Officials said piloting of the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) vaccine as referred to, proved to be safe and potent in fighting severe malaria.
Following the the successful pilot in Malawi, the organization in October 2021 recommended for large scale administration of the vaccine.
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The RTS,S vaccine is targeted at children living in moderate to high malaria transmission environments especially in Africa.
The report noted the vaccine could save around 40,000 to 80,000 lives annually in Africa.
WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the vaccine as “scientific break through”.
He said it has always been his dream as as malaria career researcher to have such an antidote for the killer disease.
“This vaccine is not just a scientific breakthrough , it’s- life changing for families across Africa” the Director General stressed.
Dr. Ghebreyesus further pointed out that the vaccine demonstrates the power of science for health and well-being.
He argued that there is still the urgent need to develop better tools and systems towards a malaria-free world.
WHO said guidance is available for countries to consider in adopting RTS,S vaccine as a tool in reducing child mortality through malaria.
The organization said it has secured over US$ 155 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to support the procurement and delivery of the RTS,S vaccine for Gavi-eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
