Gavi, UNICEF ink deal to provide easy access to malaria vaccine, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Gavi and UNICEF have signed an agreement to enhance the accessibility and affordability of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine.
• The deal, managed by UNICEF, is projected to save Gavi and countries up to $90 million, funding over 30 million additional doses.
• The agreement aims to fully vaccinate nearly seven million more children against malaria in the next five years.
• The vaccine's price is set to decrease to $2.99 per dose within approximately one year.

Detailed Insights:

• Gavi supports the procurement, logistics, and integration of malaria vaccines into national immunization programs.
• Over 40 million doses of malaria vaccines have been distributed through Gavi's malaria vaccination program, now part of routine immunization in 24 African countries.
• These 24 African countries account for over 70% of the world’s malaria burden.
• UNICEF is the world’s largest vaccine buyer, delivering nearly three billion doses annually.
• The WHO has prequalified two malaria vaccines: R21/Matrix-M and RTS,S/AS01.
• The International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm) mechanism enables Gavi's advance payments for vaccine procurement.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance: A global health organization that aims to increase access to immunization in poor countries.
• UNICEF: A United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
• Malaria Vaccine: A vaccine developed to prevent malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting humans and animals.