Malaria remains a major cause of severe illness and death among young children. In 2023, there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths globally, 11 million more cases than the previous year. About 95% of deaths occurred in the African Region, where many still lack access to basic prevention and treatment.
In Africa, children under the age of 5 are at the greatest risk of dying from malaria, accounting for more than 75% of the global deaths from the disease. Unlike adults, young children have not had the opportunity to develop partial immunity through years of exposure, making them particularly at risk.
In many high-burden countries, the disease makes up the largest share of hospital consultations, representing a high cost to families and health systems. The World Health Organization estimates that treating an uncomplicated case in sub-Saharan Africa costs US$4-7 per outpatient visit, while severe cases requiring hospital care can exceed US$70.
As of November 2025, over 40 million doses malaria vaccine have been delivered to 24 African countries, reflecting strong demand and country commitment to expanding protection against one of the continent’s largest killers of children. Under a new agreement between Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF, the price of the malaria vaccine R21/Matrix-M™ will be reduced (expected to take effect within about a year). This price reduction is projected to generate up to USD $90 million in savings over the next five years, and will allow countries to procure more than 30 million additional doses, enabling nearly 7 million more children to receive malaria vaccination.
The deal is supported through innovative financing from the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm) and helps Gavi secure better pricing and accelerate access. UNICEF, as the world’s largest vaccine buyer, will use the new arrangement to help ensure a stable, affordable supply for the countries that need it most.
This milestone shows how global cooperation can make lifesaving vaccines more accessible and give children everywhere a better chance at a healthy start and a safer future.
Find out more about malaria vaccines here: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/q-a-on-rts-s-malaria-vaccine
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