Malaria Vaccine Significantly Reduces Malaria Incidence in Children in real-world study
An interim phase 4 analysis published in The Lancet Global Health reported that children who received the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine experienced markedly lower rates of malaria and severe malaria compared with unvaccinated peers. The vaccine, developed by GSK and first recommended by the World Health Organization in 2021, targets Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. Administered as a four-dose series between the ages of 5 months and 2 years, the vaccine has shown promising real-world effectiveness in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria remains a leading cause of childhood illness and death.
The study assessed the vaccine’s performance under routine program conditions across several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, where pilot implementations were first rolled out. Researchers observed that vaccinated children had substantially fewer clinical malaria cases and hospitalizations for severe malaria, even when insecticide-treated bed nets and other preventive measures were widely used. The findings demonstrate that integrating the vaccine into existing immunization programs can lead to meaningful reductions in disease burden and potentially save thousands of young lives annually.
Beyond its protective effects, the authors noted that the vaccine’s rollout has strengthened community engagement and health infrastructure, as families increasingly seek immunization services. They emphasized the importance of sustained funding and logistical support to ensure continued access, especially in high-transmission regions. The study’s results provide real-world confirmation that RTS,S/AS01E is a practical and impactful addition to malaria control strategies, complementing vector control and chemoprevention efforts. Further follow-up will help determine the long-term durability of protection and guide the integration of next-generation malaria vaccines in future programs.
Keywords: Malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01E, Plasmodium falciparum, childhood immunization, The Lancet Global Health, GSK, WHO, Africa
Reference: Adjei, S. O., Otieno, K., Baiden, F., Hamaluba, M., Asante, K. P., Kariuki, S., Oduro, A., Agbenyega, T., Tinto, H., Salim, N., Kimani, F., Afolabi, M. O., Mwangoka, G., Gessner, B. D., Otieno, W., & the RTS,S/AS01E Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme Evaluation Group. (2025). Effectiveness of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine in children: Interim results from the phase 4 evaluation. The Lancet Global Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00415-2
