Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 24, 2025 Healthcare
The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) signed an agreement yesterday on a new pricing mechanism that will significantly reduce the cost of a key malaria vaccine. This will allow nearly seven million additional children to be protected from this deadly disease by 2030.
Under the agreement, the price of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine will drop to $2.99 per dose within a year. This will save up to $90 million and allow countries to purchase over 30 million additional doses over the next five years.
“We are using innovative financing tools and partnerships to ensure access to vaccines that will better protect children from one of Africa’s biggest killers,” said Gavi’s Head of Vaccines Programs and Markets, An Vermeersch.
Nearly 600,000 deaths in 2023
Malaria remains one of the most deadly infectious diseases in the world. In 2023, it claimed the lives of approximately 597,000 people, the vast majority of whom were young children in African countries. Approximately one child dies from malaria every minute.
“This high mortality rate demands action,” said UNICEF Director of Supply, Leila Pakkala. “In the context of cuts in international aid UNICEF will work with partners to ensure sufficient vaccine supplies are available at the most affordable price."
The reduction in vaccination costs was made possible by an advance payment secured by the International Finance Facility for Immunization (IFFI). Funds pledged by donors over the longer term are now available. This allows Gavi to respond quickly when opportunities arise to influence the vaccine market.
From ambition to action
"The IFFI was created to turn ambition into action," said Ken Lay, chairman of the organization's board. "This agreement demonstrates how financial innovation can unlock life-saving opportunities."
Twenty-four African countries have included malaria vaccination in their national immunization schedules, and more than 40 million doses have already been delivered through Gavi-supported programmes.
Demand remains high: 14 countries introduced the vaccine for the first time last year, and seven more will do so in 2025.
The price reduction will bring Gavi closer to achieving its goal of vaccinating 50 million children against malaria by the end of the decade.
Both vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization – R21/Matrix-M and RTS,S – have been shown to reduce malaria cases by more than half within the first year after vaccination, with additional protection provided by an additional dose.
"This is about giving every child an equal chance at protection," Lay said. "This is about saving lives now, not years later."
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