Mali tests hybrid approach to malaria vaccines

In recognition of World Malaria Day, which is commemorated on 25 April, the Ministry of Health of Mali, with the backing of the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), has initiated a pioneering malaria vaccination strategy, designated as ‘hybrid’, to reach children within the age range of 5 to 36 months. The hybrid approach entails the administration of the initial three vaccine doses monthly throughout the year, contingent on age, while the subsequent two doses are administered seasonally in May or June of the subsequent year, before the onset of the peak malaria transmission season. The strategic implementation of seasonal administration of malaria vaccine doses is a methodical approach, as it aligns the period of maximum vaccination protection with the malaria transmission season of highest prevalence. This innovative approach was deemed necessary in light of data reported in the WHO World Malaria Report 2024, which showed that Mali had 3.1% (8.15 million) of global malaria cases and 2.4% (14,328) of global malaria deaths in 2023. Furthermore, it was identified as one of 11 countries with the highest malaria burden globally, accounting for approximately 94% of all cases and 95% of deaths, according to WHO estimates. At present, 927,800 R21/Matrix-M vaccines are available for introduction. These will be deployed across 19 priority districts, divided into five regions: Kayes, Koulikoro, Mopti, Ségou, and Sikasso.