UNICEF Reaches Agreement to Drive Down Malaria Immunization Expenses

UNICEF has unveiled a major push to slash the price of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, a move expected to widen access and accelerate the fight against one of the world’s deadliest childhood diseases. Backed by Gavi and executed through a new supply agreement, the price cut—bringing the cost to just under US$3 per dose—is set to take effect within a year and is projected to generate more than US$90 million in savings.

The funds will support the production of an additional 30 million doses and extend lifesaving protection to roughly seven million more children over the next five years. To date, more than 40 million malaria vaccine doses have been delivered through the Gavi Malaria Vaccination Programme, now integrated into routine immunisation schedules across 24 African countries that account for over 70 percent of the global malaria burden.

But the threat remains stark. In 2023, the world recorded an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths—an alarming increase from the previous year. Nearly 95 percent of these fatalities, mainly among children under five, occurred in Africa, where millions still lack access to essential prevention and treatment.

The World Health Organization warns that malaria continues to strain health systems in high-burden nations, dominating outpatient visits and driving up household costs. Treating a simple case in sub-Saharan Africa ranges from US$4 to US$7, while severe infections requiring hospital care can exceed US$70.

UNICEF says the new pricing deal marks a decisive step toward easing that burden and pushing the world closer to reducing preventable malaria deaths

Source: Africa News, Arab News