In a major public health breakthrough, Burundi has officially introduced the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization program. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Dalberg, the initiative aims to curb the spread of malaria and protect thousands of children’s lives.
The launch event, held in Mpanda District and graced by Burundi’s First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye, follows the arrival of 544,000 doses of the RTS,S malaria vaccine earlier this year. This development comes after the vaccine’s approval by the Burundian Medicines Regulatory Authority (ABREMA).
Malaria remains one of Burundi’s top public health challenges, with an incidence rate of 399.1 cases per 1,000 people in 2023. Children under five are the most vulnerable, accounting for nearly half of the 4.8 million cases reported last year. The new vaccine is expected to play a critical role in reducing child mortality and easing the burden on the healthcare system.
Dr. Lydwine Baradahana, Minister of Public Health and AIDS Prevention, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating that the vaccine will help prevent unnecessary deaths and pave the way for a malaria-free Burundi.
Burundi now joins 17 other African countries that have integrated the malaria vaccine into their immunization programs with Gavi’s support. Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Burundi, Mario Jimenez, highlighted that this move will save thousands of lives and reduce the strain on the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
UNICEF Representative in Burundi, France Bégin, praised the initiative, stressing the importance of vaccine accessibility and community engagement to ensure successful implementation. WHO’s Burundi representative, Dr. Xavier Crespin, commended the government’s efforts in combining the vaccine with other preventive measures, such as mosquito net distribution and indoor spraying.
Partners, including Dalberg, have supported Burundi’s preparation for the vaccine rollout, assisting in health worker training, community awareness campaigns, and strengthening the cold chain system.
The vaccine is expected to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths caused by malaria when used alongside other preventive strategies, such as insecticide-treated nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention. Experts believe this initiative is a crucial step toward achieving a malaria-free future for Burundi’s next generation.