The introduction of malaria vaccines (RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M) in 25 countries (as of January 2026) confirms its high demand and acceptability among key stakeholders. Go to footnote 1
An independent evaluation of RTS,S/AS01 pilot implementation in childhood immunization in three African countries showed children’s access to at least one malaria prevention measure increased to more than 90% with the introduction of a malaria vaccine. Go to footnote 2
Peer reviewed articles demonstrating uptake and acceptability of malaria vaccines among caregivers and communities have been published from the RTS,S/AS01 pilot implementation Go to footnote 3, Go to footnote 4, Go to footnote 5, Go to footnote 6 and from other settings in Africa Go to footnote 7, Go to footnote 8, Go to footnote 9 , including on determinants of malaria vaccine acceptance. Go to footnote 10, Go to footnote 11, Go to footnote 12
- Go back to footnote reference 1
World Health Organization (2026). WHO malaria vaccine introduction status (https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZmZjN2RkOGYtYzM4NS00MWYxLThhYmMtYzg3YjMwYjU2ZDA4IiwidCI6ImY2MTBjMGI3LWJkMjQtNGIzOS04MTBiLTNkYzI4MGFmYjU5MCIsImMiOjh9, accessed 5 March 2026).
- Go back to footnote reference 2
Mwapasa V, Asante KP, Milligan P, Akech S, Oduro A et al. Impact of introducing the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine on mortality in young children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi: an observational evaluation of a cluster randomised implementation programme. Lancet. 2026;407(10541):1796–1808. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00248-5.
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Welaga P, Gyan T, Koram K et al. The Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme study area in Ghana: results of a household survey prior to the introduction of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine. Malar J. 2026;25:69. doi:10.1186/s12936-025-05778-9.
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Walldorf JA, Mayers GF, Amponsa-Achiano K, Jalang’o R, Chisema M et al. Post-introduction evaluation (PIE) of the malaria vaccine introduced in three pilot countries (Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi) in 2021. Malar J. 2025;24:354. doi:10.1186/s12936-025-05590-5.
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Price J, Collymore Y, Bawa JT, Mkisi RE, Buell C et al. Recommendations to mitigate barriers to uptake and delivery of a four-dose malaria vaccine schedule: insights from the MVIP’s qualitative evidence. Malar J. 2025;24:408. doi:10.1186/s12936-025-05611-3.
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Jalang’o R, Amponsa-Achiano K, Chisema M, Malm K, Khalayi L et al. Subnational introduction of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine into routine immunization: experience and lessons from the three pilot countries. Malar J. 2025;24:244. doi:10.1186/s12936-025-05484-6.
- Go back to footnote reference 7
Bushi G, Khatib MN, Renuka Jyothi S, Kaur I, Sharma A et al. Determinants of malaria vaccine acceptance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of awareness, acceptance, hesitancy, and willingness to pay. Immun Inflamm Dis. 2025;13(5):e70205. doi:10.1002/iid3.70205.
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Meñaca A, Tagbor H, Adjei R, Bart-Plange C, Collymore Y et al. Factors likely to affect community acceptance of a malaria vaccine in two districts of Ghana: a qualitative study. PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e109707. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109707.
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Febir LG, Asante KP, Dzorgbo D-BS, Senah KA, Letsa TS et al. Community perceptions of a malaria vaccine in the Kintampo districts of Ghana. Malar J. 2013;12:156. doi:10.1186/1475-2875-12-156.
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Price J, Gurley N, Gyapong M, Ansah EK, Awusabo-Asare K et al. Acceptance of and adherence to a four-dose RTS,S/AS01 schedule: findings from a longitudinal qualitative evaluation study for the malaria vaccine implementation programme. Vaccines. 2023;11(12):1801. doi:10.3390/vaccines11121801.
- Go back to footnote reference 11
Diawara H, Grant J, Dicko A, Traore S, Issiaka D et al. Acceptability of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine alongside existing malaria interventions in the trial context. BMJ Glob Health. 2025;10(2):e015524. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015524.
- Go back to footnote reference 12
Abubakar A, Mohammed S, Sadiq A et al. Awareness and acceptability of malaria vaccine among caregivers of under-5 children in Northern Nigeria. Malar J. 2023;22:368. doi:10.1186/s12936-023-04768-z.
