Burundi introduces malaria vaccine into routine immunization

Led by the Ministry of Health and with the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Dalberg, Burundi has today introduced the lifesaving malaria vaccine into its routine immunization programme – a critical step towards reducing malaria cases and saving thousands of children’s lives.

The launch event was held in Mpanda District, and attended by Burundi’s First Lady, Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye. Today’s event follows the arrival of 544,000 doses of malaria vaccines in Burundi in January of this year, and the approval of the RTS,S malaria vaccine by ABREMA (Autorité Burundaise de Régulation des Médicaments à usage humain et des Aliments).  

Malaria remains a major public health concern in Burundi and one of the country’s top health priorities. Malaria is endemic, with two annual peaks (April-May and June) resulting in high transmission levels in some districts. The latest data from the National Health Information System (SNIS) showed that malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, with an incidence of 399.1 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2023. It is unacceptable that nearly half a million children under five dies from malaria each year in Africa, a reality that underscores the importance of this initiative in Burundi. 

Data analysis revealed that malaria accounted for 20.9% of consultations in 2023 and 59.4% of hospital deaths in 2021. In Burundi, children under the age of five are the population category most vulnerable to malaria. Of the 4,857,556 malaria cases reported in 2023, children under five accounted for 2,235,481 cases, representing 46% of malaria morbidity. For this reason, as a key partner, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to this critical vaccine, alongside other essential health services, to give them a healthier start in life. 

“Today marks a significant milestone as we introduce the malaria vaccine in Burundi. This initiative reflects our strong and unwavering commitment to malaria control by combining high-impact strategic interventions and our collective determination to protect our children’s lives. By focusing on reducing malaria mortality in children under five, we are taking a critical step towards ensuring a healthier and brighter future for the next generation. This vaccine introduction also brings us closer to a future where no child is lost to this preventable disease. We are paving the way for a malaria-free Burundi,” said Dr Lydwine Baradahana, Minister of Public Health and AIDS Prevention. 

Commenting on the development, Mario Jimenez, the Senior Country Manager for Burundi at Gavi said that the introduction of the vaccine is a reflection of the country’s commitment to public health; “Today, Burundi joins the list of 17 other countries on the African continent to have introduced malaria vaccine into routine immunization with Gavi support. Given the devastating impact of malaria, this is a development that will save thousands of young lives, offer relief to families and lessen the burden currently placed on the country’s health system. Gavi is committed to working with Burundi and partners to ensure this introduction, along with all other routine immunization programmes in the country, are a success.” 

“Every child has the right to grow up healthy and protected from preventable diseases like malaria,” said France Bégin, UNICEF Representative in Burundi. “The introduction of the malaria vaccine is a historic step, bringing new hope to families in Burundi. UNICEF is proud to support this effort by ensuring vaccine availability, strengthening cold chain systems, and engaging communities to increase awareness and acceptance of this life-saving intervention alongside the government’s efforts.” 

“Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among children. With the measures already taken by the government, such as perennial chemoprevention with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, the distribution of insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying, and now the introduction of malaria vaccination for children aged between 6 and 11 months, as recommended by the WHO, Burundi is taking a decisive step forward in the fight against malaria. I would like to congratulate the government and thank all our partners,” said WHO representative in Burundi Dr Xavier Crespin.  

“The introduction of the malaria vaccine into routine immunization is a significant public health milestone for Burundi and a testament to the resilience, professionalism, and dedication of the Ministry of Health and health professionals across the country, who have worked tirelessly to ensure lifesaving interventions reach every community, especially the most vulnerable children. Evidence shows that this vaccine will significantly reduce malaria-related illness and death among children, marking a pivotal step in protecting Burundi’s future generations. Dalberg is honored to have supported the Ministry of Health and the people of Burundi in achieving this milestone,” said Lillian Kidane, Africa Director, Dalberg. 

In readiness for the introduction, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, Dalberg and other partners have also supported the Ministry of Health in preparing, accepting, and introducing the malaria vaccine. This support ranges from developing vaccine implementation plans and communication strategies to conducting health worker training and community engagement and ensuring sufficient cold chain capacity. This support included the use of innovative learning tools for training health workers, such as animated content and an offline app in the local language (Kirundi). 

 The vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths caused by malaria, playing a complementary role in a broader strategy to combat the disease through a combination of interventions, including insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and effective case management. When the malaria vaccine is used alongside other proven malaria prevention strategies – such as insecticide-treated nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention during periods of high transmission in the year, countries have the potential to reduce clinical malaria cases by more than 90% in areas with high seasonal transmission. 

×