WHO recommends second malaria vaccine for children

The World Health Organization recommended the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine on 2 October 2023 for prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children living in areas with moderate to high transmission. It became the second malaria vaccine recommended by WHO after RTS,S.

Clinical trials showed high efficacy over the studied period when doses were given according to schedules suited to seasonal or perennial transmission. Comparisons between R21 and RTS,S across separate trials cannot prove one is universally superior because populations, timing and study designs differ.

The recommendation followed reviews by WHO advisory groups and anticipated substantially greater vaccine supply. National introduction still depended on regulatory authorization, financing, delivery systems and local epidemiology. Vaccination complements insecticide-treated nets, diagnosis, treatment and other control measures; it does not replace them.

Malaria remains a major cause of illness and death among young children, especially in Africa. Even partial protection can have large population benefit where transmission is intense, but real-world impact depends on coverage and completion of the dose series.

WHO's recommendation establishes the policy milestone. Prequalification, procurement and national campaigns followed through separate processes. This item uses evidence-calibrated language: another effective tool became available, not a universal cure or proof that elimination could occur without continued prevention, surveillance and health-system capacity.