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Add to Preferred SourcesEthiopia has officially launched the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, becoming the 23rd African country to add a malaria vaccine to its routine immunization program, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced. The rollout started in 58 districts across nine regions, targeting over 91,000 children in the first phase with four doses at 6, 7, 9, and 15 months of age.
The districts were picked based on WHO’s prioritization criteria and represent areas with the worst malaria burden in the country. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, one of the malaria vaccines prequalified by WHO, has shown good results in cutting severe malaria cases and child deaths. The vaccine adds to Ethiopia’s existing malaria control strategies, including indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated nets, and quick diagnosis and treatment, with all these interventions working together to cut hospitalizations, improve school attendance, and reduce work absenteeism among caregivers.
WHO has been a key partner in Ethiopia’s malaria vaccine rollout, providing support across multiple areas including advocacy and awareness-building, technical help for the Gavi application, development of implementation guidelines and training materials, and running national and subnational trainings. WHO Representative in Ethiopia Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo said Ethiopia’s introduction of the malaria vaccine is a bold and praiseworthy step that shows the country’s commitment to protecting its children and building a resilient health system.
State Minister of Health Dr. Dereje Duguma said the internationally approved malaria vaccine offers vital protection for children under five in the hardest-hit communities. He stressed that while the vaccine supplements existing malaria control efforts, it doesn’t replace them and must go hand in hand with continued prevention. Menaa Mekuriya, Delegate of the South Ethiopia Regional Health Bureau, said malaria has disrupted lives across the region, with children missing school and farmers unable to work, particularly in South Omo Zone where half of the districts were affected.
The launch event brought together national and regional health leaders, community representatives, and global health partners, and happened alongside the mass distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, reinforcing Ethiopia’s integrated approach to malaria control. Partners supporting this effort include Gavi, UNICEF, the Global Fund, PATH, ALMA, the Roll Back Malaria Initiative, and the Global Financing Facility.