South Sudan Launches R21 Malaria Vaccine Rollout to Protect Children

In a historic move to combat the devastating impact of malaria, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF and the World Health Organization and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, today launched the nationwide rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine. This landmark event marks a significant stride in the country’s efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of its children.

The launch follows the arrival of the first consignment of over 645,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine in Juba on 31 May 2024. These vaccines will initially be distributed to the 28 counties with the highest malaria burden, with plans to scale up the rollout nationwide.

Malaria continues to be a leading cause of illness and death in South Sudan, particularly among young children. In 2022, the country reported an estimated 2.8 million cases and 6,680 deaths. With approximately 7,630 new cases and 18 fatalities daily, South Sudan has one of the highest malaria incidence rates in the region.

“Malaria is a major concern for our country. We are committed to reducing the impact of malaria and improving the health outcomes for our children,” said Honourable Yolanda Awel Deng, Minister of Health. “The continued use of this vaccine, alongside other preventive measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and timely access to medical care, will be instrumental in our efforts to eliminate malaria in South Sudan.”

“The nationwide rollout of the malaria vaccine marks a significant milestone in South Sudan’s journey to reduce the devastating burden of malaria and saving countless young lives. The development exemplifies how investments in health systems can yield significant benefits, ensuring that vaccines and other interventions reach those most in need. Together, we can build a stronger foundation for the health and well-being of future generations in South Sudan. We commend the Ministry of Health for their unwavering commitment to this cause,” said Patience Musanhu, Gavi Senior Country Manager for South Sudan.

WHO recommends the RTS,S/AS01, and R21/Matrix-M vaccines to prevent malaria in children. The rollout of the RTS,S, and R21 malaria vaccines will ensure an adequate supply to meet demand, significantly benefiting children living in areas where malaria poses a major public health risk.

“The expanded availability of malaria vaccines heralds a new chapter in combating this deadly disease. Governments’ proactive engagement and health systems’ preparedness are pivotal in facilitating the successful rollout of the immunization programme. Training, communication strategies, and robust cold chain infrastructure are essential components in ensuring the widespread distribution of these important vaccines to protect the children of the country,” said Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF South Sudan Representative.

“The rollout of the malaria vaccine is a game-changer in our fight against this deadly disease. With the support of our partners, we are committed to protecting young children and reducing the malaria burden in the country,” said Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan. “WHO AFRO has deployed experts to support the rollout, ensuring the effective introduction and distribution of the malaria vaccine by leveraging extensive expertise from prior vaccine initiatives within the region.”

The joint efforts of the Ministry of Health, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and other health partners demonstrate the shared commitment to integrating these life-saving vaccines into the national immunization program. This milestone not only signifies progress in the battle against malaria but also underscores the collective dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of children in South Sudan and beyond.

About the Ministry of Health of South Sudan

The Ministry of Health of South Sudan is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of the nation’s population through comprehensive healthcare initiatives, disease prevention programs, and capacity-building efforts. With a steadfast commitment to achieving universal health coverage and combating infectious diseases, the Ministry collaborates closely with national and international partners to address the health challenges facing South Sudan.

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

For more information about UNICEF and its work in South Sudan visit: www.unicef.org/southsudan

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About the World Health Organization (WHO)

Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age. Our Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes.

For more information about WHO and its work in South Sudan visit: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/south-sudan

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About Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate more than half the world’s children against some of the world’s deadliest diseases. The Vaccine Alliance brings together developing country and donor governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, the vaccine industry, technical agencies, civil society, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other private sector partners. View the full list of donor governments and other leading organisations that fund Gavi’s work here.

Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has helped to immunise a whole generation – over 1 billion children – and prevented more than 17.3 million future deaths, helping to halve child mortality in 78 lower-income countries. Gavi also plays a key role in improving global health security by supporting health systems as well as funding global stockpiles for Ebola, cholera, meningococcal and yellow fever vaccines. After two decades of progress, Gavi is now focused on protecting the next generation, above all the zero-dose children who have not received even a single vaccine shot. The Vaccine Alliance employs innovative finance and the latest technology – from drones to biometrics – to save lives, prevent outbreaks before they can spread and help countries on the road to self-sufficiency. Learn more at www.gavi.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.