Ghana Expands Malaria Vaccine Rollout

Accra, Ghana – 25^th September 2024 Starting in 2019, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have been implementing the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine through childhood immunisation programmes in selected areas. Ghana has administered over 1 million doses of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccines since the introduction, leading to a substantial reduction in severe malaria cases.

Ghana is taking a significant step towards eliminating malaria by expanding the rollout of vaccines. The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which is the second vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for preventing malaria in endemic areas, will be deployed in 43 districts in the following regions across the country (Upper West, Northern, Savannah, and Western North regions). A total of 11 out of 16 regions would have been covered with the malaria vaccine. Malaria vaccinations has proven effective in reducing severe malaria cases and deaths among vaccinated children. By expanding access to this life-saving intervention, UNICEF Ghana and its partners aim to further protect children from the devastating effects of malaria.
This marks the third phase of the vaccine's implementation in Ghana, building on the successful introduction in 42 districts since 2019 and a first expansion to additional 51 districts in February 2023.

The expansion will begin on 25^th of September 2024 and the deployment of vaccines in the remaining 125 districts will take place between 2025 and 2029 depending on malaria disease epidemiology and resource availability.

These efforts are expected to reach over 200,000 additional children annually, reflecting the government of Ghana and partner’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of children.

UNICEF would like to acknowledge the generous support of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, and Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH). Their contributions have been instrumental in protecting the health and well-being of children in Ghana.