Urgent Call to Accelerate Malaria Vaccine Rollout in Africa on World Malaria Day

LUSAKA, Zambia – On World Malaria Day, observed annually on 25 April, advocacy organization 1Day Africa has raised concerns over the sluggish distribution of the malaria vaccine across the continent. Despite the promising potential of the R21 malaria vaccine, outdated or absent regulatory frameworks are hindering its rapid deployment, leaving millions at risk.

The Devastating Impact of Malaria in Africa

Malaria remains a critical health crisis in Africa, particularly for children. According to the WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024, Africa accounts for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of related deaths. Vaccines like R21 could drastically reduce this burden, but bureaucratic delays and funding gaps are slowing progress.

Challenges in Vaccine Distribution

Zacharia Kafuko, Director of 1Day Sooner Africa, emphasized the urgency: “Malaria vaccines can save countless lives, but slow regulatory processes, lack of funding, and diminishing political will are delaying their rollout. We must act now to streamline approvals and ensure vaccines reach vulnerable communities.”

Key Recommendations for Action

1Day Sooner has outlined critical steps to accelerate vaccine deployment:

• Streamlined Regulatory Processes: African governments must harmonize and expedite vaccine approvals, leveraging international expertise.
• Increased Funding & Collaboration: International donors and organizations should boost financial and technical support for vaccine research and distribution.
• Local Engagement: Governments and health bodies must work with communities to build trust and combat vaccine hesitancy.

A Call to Prioritize Malaria Eradication

Kafuko stressed, “Malaria is preventable, yet regulatory and financial barriers persist. On World Malaria Day, we urge policymakers to prioritize rapid vaccine rollout to save lives.”

About 1Day Sooner

1Day Sooner is a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on accelerating life-saving medical research. Its African arm, 1Day Africa, works to strengthen local healthcare systems and combat infectious diseases.

For more information, visit www.1daysooner.org or follow on LinkedIn, X, and Bluesky.

Press Contact:
Mbali Mpolokeng
Communications Consultant
Phone: +27 65 921 8338
Email: Mbali@africacommunicationsgroup.com

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of 1Day Sooner.

Source: African Media Agency (AMA)