What it is
RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M are the first vaccines against malaria and, more broadly, against any parasitic disease. Both vaccines stimulate an immune response that prevents malaria infection.
Why it matters
Global immunisation is among the most effective interventions to prevent infant mortality and severe disease. Each year, over 150 million children contract malaria, and around 500,000 die. These vaccines could prevent millions of illnesses and save thousands of children every year.
The story
Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases for children. EDCTP played a pivotal role in the first malaria vaccines (RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M) by funding clinical research and supporting the capacity, infrastructure, and networks that made these breakthroughs possible.[1]
Used along with other malaria control strategies, these two vaccines are safe, effective, and will significantly contribute to the reduction of mortality and morbidity due to malaria, especially in young children. As of August 2025, 21 African countries have introduced them into their national routine immunisation programmes, with many more ready to follow.[2]
These groundbreaking vaccines will save thousands of children’s lives and protect millions from disease each year. In addition, they open the door to new technologies against other parasitic diseases and promise lasting improvements in quality of life, economic prospects, and social opportunities for millions of people.
Global Health EDCTP3 continues to support malaria vaccine research to boost vaccine effectiveness[3] and optimise vaccine deployment and use.[4]
Sources:
[1] https://www.edctp.org/projects-2/success-stories/malaria-vaccines /
[2] Malaria vaccines (RTS,S and R21); https://www.gavi.org/types-support/vaccine-support/malaria
[3] A Multi-stage Malaria Vaccine for Control and Elimination | PfVIMT | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission
[4] Building multidisciplinary evidence to support Integrating Malaria VACcine with Seasonal malaria chemoprevention in West Africa | IMVACS | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission & Optimising a Deployable High Efficacy Multi-Stage Vaccine for Plasmodium falciparum Malaria: 2nd Generation Malaria Vaccine Consortium | MVC-2G | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission
Related links
New and better medicines already saving and improving lives
RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M are the first vaccines against malaria and, more broadly, against any parasitic disease. Both vaccines stimulate an immune response that prevents malaria infection.
Triomune Baby/Junior became the first fixed-dose combination medicine developed specifically for children with HIV and paved the way for additional improved combination therapies for first- and second-line HIV treatment in children.
This new fixed-dose combination therapy of albendazole/ivermectin targets five types of parasitic worms (four soil-transmitted helminth infections and lymphatic filariasis), which will significantly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of large-scale interventions.
Coartem® Baby and Pyramax®’s new formulations for children and pregnant women are safe and effective against malaria and better suited to their specific needs.
Arpraziquantel is the first child-friendly medicine in an oro-dispersible formulation to treat and cure schistosomiasis. It is easy to administer and adapted for rural and tropical settings, offering high efficacy with minimal side effects.
Fexinidazole is the first all-oral treatment for sleeping sickness. Taken as simple pills over 10 days, it eliminates the need for hospitalisation and painful lumbar punctures, and has become the most widely used therapy for this disease.
This new therapy, a single high-dose of liposomal Amphotericin B, is as effective as the traditional week-long regimen, easier to administer, and causes fewer side effects. It is now the WHO-recommended therapy for cryptococcal meningitis.
Our added value for Europe
EDCTP boosts Europe’s competitiveness by advancing research excellence, innovation, and public–private cooperation in global health. By supporting late-stage development and Africa–Europe partnerships, it bridges the EU innovation gap and creates new market and investment opportunities.
EDCTP strengthens Europe’s health security by tackling climate-sensitive diseases and antimicrobial resistance, enhancing surveillance, and accelerating medical countermeasures. Its rapid crisis responses, from Ebola to COVID-19, show its agility in protecting Europe and global health.
EDCTP drives Europe’s science diplomacy through fair Africa–Europe partnerships that tackle global health challenges. Its equitable governance and ethical research practices strengthen EU credibility and global influence.
EDCTP strengthens Europe’s leadership in digital health by investing in AI, data, and digital technologies while training researchers in fields like bioinformatics and genomic epidemiology.
EDCTP advances the EU’s human rights goals by promoting ethical, inclusive research that addresses unmet medical needs. It ensures innovations reach vulnerable populations while strengthening local scientific and health systems.
Our added value for Africa
EDCTP improves health and prosperity in Africa by funding clinical research, strengthening local capacities, and empowering African scientists. Its investments reduce the burden of infectious diseases, boost productivity, and support sustainable development across the continent.
EDCTP builds Africa’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to outbreaks through training, research, and strong partnerships. Its work accelerates vaccine and diagnostic development and reinforces the continent’s health resilience.
EDCTP strengthens Africa’s clinical research ecosystem by investing in skills, infrastructure, and regulatory systems. Initiatives like CTCAN and PACTR connect researchers and regulators, expanding quality trials and fostering local leadership.
EDCTP strengthens Africa-led health partnerships with organisations like Africa CDC and WHO AFRO, aligning research and investment with continental priorities. As an AU–EU Innovation Agenda partner, it builds skills, fosters co-investment, and drives sustainable cooperation.
EDCTP promotes health equity by developing practical solutions for underserved communities, including newborns and children, women, urban poor and rural communities. It funds accessible technologies and digital tools that expand healthcare reach and improve outcomes for those most in need.