In a significant development in the fight against malaria, Burundi has recently introduced the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization program, marking a crucial step towards reducing malaria cases and saving thousands of lives, particularly among children.

On March 17, 2025, Burundi launched the introduction of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, targeting children aged 6 to 11 months. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Health, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO)[3].

Malaria remains a major public health concern in Burundi, with the disease accounting for 20.9% of consultations and 59.4% of hospital deaths in recent years. Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable, with nearly half a million children under five dying from malaria each year across Africa. The introduction of the vaccine is part of a broader strategy that includes the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying to combat the disease[3].

The RTS,S vaccine, along with the more recently approved R21/Matrix-M vaccine, has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing malaria in children. Both vaccines reduce malaria cases by more than half during the first year after vaccination and prevent around 75% of malaria episodes when given seasonally in areas of highly seasonal transmission. These vaccines are expected to have a high public health impact, potentially saving tens of thousands of young lives every year[4].

The rollout of these vaccines is well underway, with 17 countries in Africa already introducing them into their childhood immunization programs. Additional countries are expected to follow suit in 2025, with at least 30 countries in Africa planning to introduce the malaria vaccine as part of their national malaria control strategies[4].

Despite these advancements, the ongoing challenge of malaria is further complicated by funding cuts. The Trump administration's decision to terminate a significant portion of USAID's foreign aid contracts has left health officials in countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo warning of potential catastrophes. These countries have heavily relied on U.S. funding for malaria control programs, including the distribution of anti-malarial medicines and insecticide-treated bed nets. The disruption in these programs could lead to nearly 15 million additional malaria cases and 107,000 additional deaths globally[1].

In parallel to vaccine efforts, researchers continue to seek new treatments for malaria. A recent study by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has identified a new target for fighting drug-resistant malaria – a cholesterol-managing protein called PfNCR1. By blocking this protein, scientists may develop drugs that the parasite finds difficult to develop resistance to, offering a promising new approach in the fight against this persistent illness[5].

These developments highlight the multifaceted approach being taken to combat malaria, from vaccine implementation and funding support to innovative research into new treatments. As the global health community continues to work together, there is growing hope for a future where malaria is significantly reduced, if not eliminated.

In the ongoing battle against malaria, recent developments have brought both challenges and promising advancements, particularly in the realm of vaccination.

### Vaccine Rollout in Uganda

As of March 7, 2025, Uganda has marked a significant milestone in its fight against malaria with the official distribution of malaria vaccines to 105 districts across the country. The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, flagged off the delivery of 2.278 million doses of the malaria vaccine, which will be integrated into the routine immunization schedule starting in April 2025. This initiative, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and co-financed by the Government of Uganda, targets children under two years old with a four-dose vaccine administered at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months. This rollout is part of Uganda's comprehensive malaria prevention strategy, aiming to reduce severe illness and deaths among children under five years, who are most vulnerable to the disease[5].

### Global Vaccine Efforts

The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Uganda aligns with global efforts to combat the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended two malaria vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, for widespread use in children living in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission. These vaccines have shown significant reductions in clinical malaria, severe malaria, and all-cause mortality in children. The WHO and Gavi have been instrumental in coordinating the global malaria vaccination program, supporting 17 other African countries in introducing these vaccines into their routine immunization programs[3][5].

### New Vaccine Candidate

On the research front, a novel malaria vaccine candidate, PfSPZ-LARC2, has been developed by researchers at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute in collaboration with Sanaria. This genetically engineered vaccine has the potential to confer high levels of protection against malaria infection by stimulating a strong immune response without causing malaria symptoms. The vaccine is set to undergo clinical safety and efficacy trials starting this summer and running through 2025 in the U.S., Germany, and Burkina Faso. If successful, this vaccine could significantly contribute to eliminating malaria from defined geographic regions through mass vaccination programs[2].

### Funding and Aid Challenges

Despite these advancements, funding cuts have posed significant challenges. The Trump administration's decision to terminate a large portion of USAID's foreign aid contracts has severely impacted anti-malaria efforts in Africa. The U.S., previously the top bilateral funder of anti-malaria initiatives, had provided crucial support through the President's Malaria Initiative. The termination of these contracts has left health officials in countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and Congo warning of a potential catastrophe, as supplies of anti-malarial medicines and insecticide-treated bed nets dwindle. This disruption could lead to nearly 15 million additional malaria cases and 107,000 additional deaths globally[1].

In summary, while the rollout of malaria vaccines in Uganda and the development of new vaccine candidates offer hope in the fight against malaria, the reduction in international aid poses a critical threat to ongoing efforts to control and eliminate the disease.

In recent days, the fight against malaria has been marked by both promising developments and significant challenges, particularly in the context of vaccine research and international aid.

On the vaccine front, while there have been no major breakthroughs in the last 48 hours, ongoing efforts continue to show promise. Researchers at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute, in collaboration with Sanaria, are advancing a novel malaria vaccine called PfSPZ-LARC2. This genetically engineered vaccine has the potential to confer high levels of protection against malaria infection by stimulating a strong immune response in the liver without causing symptoms. Clinical trials for PfSPZ-LARC2 are set to begin this summer and will run through 2025 in the U.S., Germany, and Burkina Faso[2].

However, other vaccine trials have faced setbacks. The U.S. FDA recently put a clinical hold on BioNTech’s Phase I/II trial of its mRNA-based malaria vaccine, BNT165e, due to unspecified changes required by the FDA. BioNTech has paused the study and is working to address the FDA’s requests[5].

Despite these challenges, existing malaria vaccines continue to be crucial. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of two malaria vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, for children in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission. These vaccines have shown significant reductions in clinical and severe malaria cases, as well as all-cause mortality in children. The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, for instance, has reduced clinical malaria by 39%, severe malaria by 30%, and all-cause mortality by 13% in pilot studies[3].

The impact of these vaccines is particularly critical given the current funding crisis in malaria control efforts. The Trump administration's decision to terminate 90% of USAID's foreign aid contracts has severely affected malaria control programs in Africa. The U.S. is the top bilateral funder of anti-malaria efforts, and the cutbacks have left health officials in countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and Congo warning of a potential catastrophe. These countries rely heavily on U.S. funding for anti-malarial medicines, insecticide-treated bed nets, and other preventive measures. The disruption in the supply chain is expected to lead to nearly 15 million additional malaria cases and 107,000 additional deaths globally[1].

In summary, while vaccine research offers hope for the future, immediate challenges posed by funding cuts threaten to undermine recent gains in the fight against malaria. The international community must address these funding gaps to ensure continued progress in controlling and eventually eliminating this deadly disease.

In the ongoing battle against malaria, several recent developments have highlighted both the challenges and the promising advancements in vaccine technology.

Over the past few days, attention has been drawn to the clinical trials of new malaria vaccine candidates. One significant development involves BioNTech's mRNA-based malaria vaccine, BNT165e. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently placed a clinical hold on the Phase I/II trial of this vaccine, citing the need for unspecified changes. BioNTech has complied with the FDA's request and paused the study, which had enrolled 177 healthy volunteers to test the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of the vaccine. This setback comes as BioNTech was preparing to announce the primary readout from the trial later this year[5].

Despite this temporary halt, other vaccine candidates continue to show promise. Researchers at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute, in collaboration with Sanaria, have made significant strides with a novel malaria vaccine called PfSPZ-LARC2. This genetically engineered vaccine, which involves the deletion of two parasite genes, has demonstrated the ability to stimulate a strong immune response without causing malaria symptoms. The vaccine has shown 100% protection against infection in animal models and is set to enter clinical safety and efficacy trials this summer in the U.S., Germany, and Burkina Faso[2].

The PfSPZ-LARC2 vaccine represents a second-generation approach to malaria vaccination, using a live attenuated parasite to target a broader range of antigens compared to current subunit vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M. These existing vaccines, while effective in reducing uncomplicated and severe malaria, have limitations in preventing further transmission of the parasite. The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, for instance, has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for widespread use in children living in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission, but it offers only moderate protection against the disease[3].

The WHO and global health organizations are pushing for more effective malaria vaccines as part of the Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap, aiming to develop vaccines with at least 75% protective efficacy against clinical malaria by 2030. These efforts are crucial given the ongoing burden of malaria, with the WHO estimating 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths in 2023, predominantly in Africa[3][5].

In addition to vaccine development, the upcoming 8th Pan-African Malaria Conference, hosted by the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Biomedical Center, will focus on accelerating malaria drug discovery and local research initiatives. This conference, scheduled for April 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, will bring together researchers, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the latest findings and challenges in controlling malaria in Africa[1].

These recent developments underscore the multifaceted approach being taken to combat malaria, from innovative vaccine technologies to collaborative research and policy initiatives. As the global health community continues to address the complexities of malaria, these advancements offer hope for a future where the disease can be significantly controlled or even eliminated.

In recent developments, the global effort to combat malaria has seen significant advancements, particularly in the realm of vaccine research and outbreak management.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), an unexplained illness outbreak in the remote Panzi health district has drawn international attention. As of December 2024, this outbreak has resulted in 416 cases and 31 deaths, predominantly affecting children under the age of 14. Initial test results indicate that several samples are positive for malaria, although it is possible that multiple diseases may be involved. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the situation, with a national expert team and WHO officials working to determine the exact cause of the outbreak. The region's challenging access, limited telecommunications, and high levels of malnutrition and low vaccination coverage exacerbate the vulnerability of the population to various diseases, including malaria[1].

On the vaccine front, there have been promising updates. Ocean Biomedical has made substantial progress in malaria vaccine research, thanks to new funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Jonathan Kurtis and his team are developing a vaccine based on naturally occurring immune responses in children who have developed resistance to malaria. They have identified a unique protein, glutamic acid-rich protein (GARP), on the surface of malaria-infected red blood cells, which children who resist severe malaria have developed antibodies against. With additional NIH funding and new FDA guidance on lipid-encapsulated vaccines, Ocean Biomedical is poised to initiate human trials as early as the fourth quarter of 2025[2].

Current malaria vaccines, such as RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, have already shown significant efficacy. These vaccines reduce uncomplicated malaria by about 40%, severe malaria by 30%, and all-cause mortality by 13% in children living in moderate to high malaria transmission areas. The WHO has recommended these vaccines for widespread use, and they are being integrated into national malaria control strategies along with other interventions like insecticide-treated nets and case management[3].

Additionally, researchers at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute and the biotechnology company Sanaria are developing a novel malaria vaccine called PfSPZ-LARC2. This genetically engineered vaccine uses a live attenuated approach, targeting a broader range of antigens than current subunit vaccines. It has shown 100% protection against infection in animal models and is set to enter clinical safety and efficacy trials in the U.S., Germany, and Burkina Faso starting this summer[5].

These advancements underscore the ongoing commitment to finding effective solutions to the global malaria challenge, which continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. As research progresses and new vaccines move closer to deployment, there is growing hope for a future where malaria can be significantly controlled or even eliminated.

In recent developments, the fight against malaria has seen significant advancements, particularly in the realm of vaccination.

Over the past year, the rollout of malaria vaccines in Africa has achieved notable milestones. Nearly 10 million doses of the malaria vaccine were delivered across the continent during the first year of routine immunization, according to the Gavi vaccine alliance. This initiative, which began in January 2024, has expanded routine malaria vaccination to 17 countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Cameroon. The RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M vaccines, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), have shown promising results, with substantial reductions in severe malaria illness and hospitalizations, and a 13% drop in mortality among children[1].

The impact of these vaccines is particularly significant in high-burden countries like Cameroon, where malaria claims over 13,000 lives annually and accounts for nearly 30% of all hospital consultations. Gavi's efforts aim to consistently reach those at the highest risk, with plans to expand vaccination programs to up to eight more African countries this year, potentially protecting an additional 13 million children. By 2030, Gavi aims to help countries protect a further 50 million children with four doses of the malaria vaccine[1].

While current vaccines like RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M offer moderate protection, researchers are working on next-generation vaccines with enhanced efficacy. A novel malaria vaccine, PfSPZ-LARC2, developed by the Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Sanaria, has shown promising results in animal studies. This genetically engineered vaccine, which targets the liver stage of the parasite, has demonstrated 100% protection against infection in animal models. Clinical trials for PfSPZ-LARC2 are set to begin this summer and will run through 2025 in the U.S., Germany, and Burkina Faso[2].

In addition to vaccine development, scientists are also exploring new treatments to combat malaria. Recent research using sophisticated synchrotron techniques has identified a compound, IMP-1088, that targets the N-myristoyltransferase enzyme in the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium vivax. This compound has the potential to disrupt the parasite's lifecycle and is being developed as a cost-effective and less toxic treatment option[4].

However, not all vaccine trials have been without hiccups. The U.S. FDA recently placed a clinical hold on BioNTech's Phase I/II trial of its mRNA-based malaria vaccine, BNT165e, due to unspecified changes required by the FDA. BioNTech is working to address these issues and will reassess the trial's next steps. Despite this setback, the company remains committed to expanding its vaccine development capabilities, including a deal with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to establish an mRNA vaccine manufacturing site in Rwanda[5].

These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to combat malaria, a disease that still claims nearly 600,000 lives annually, predominantly in Africa. As research and vaccination programs continue to evolve, there is growing hope for more effective tools in the fight against this devastating disease.

In recent developments, the fight against malaria has seen significant advancements, particularly in the realm of vaccine technology and emergency humanitarian assistance.

On February 7, 2025, Malaria No More issued a statement applauding the U.S. Department of State for granting a waiver to resume critical malaria services. This waiver, under the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance program, is crucial for delivering lifesaving malaria prevention, testing, and treatment to millions of people, primarily young children and pregnant women, in sub-Saharan Africa. The interruption of these services, even for a short period, can lead to outbreaks and deaths. Without this waiver, the 90-day freeze on foreign assistance would have halted the distribution of 15.6 million doses of malaria medicines, 25.3 million rapid diagnostic tests, and 9 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets[1].

On the vaccine front, a novel malaria vaccine, PfSPZ-LARC2, has shown promising results in recent studies. Developed by researchers at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s Center for Global Infectious Disease Research and the biotechnology company Sanaria, this vaccine employs a genetically engineered approach to confer high levels of protection against malaria infection. By deleting two key parasite genes, *Mei2* and *LINUP*, the vaccine allows the parasites to replicate in the liver but prevents them from progressing to the blood stage, thus avoiding any malaria symptoms. This dual-gene deletion strategy has demonstrated 90% protection against controlled human malaria infection after a single dose, a significant improvement over current vaccines which reduce uncomplicated malaria by about 40% and severe malaria by about 30%[2][5].

Clinical trials for PfSPZ-LARC2 are set to continue through 2025 in the U.S., Germany, and Burkina Faso to assess its safety and efficacy across diverse populations. This vaccine holds the potential to save millions of lives and could be a key tool in eliminating malaria from defined geographic regions through mass vaccination programs[2][5].

The current landscape of malaria vaccines includes two approved vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in children living in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission. These vaccines have shown moderate protection but do not prevent further transmission of the parasite to mosquitoes. The WHO and global health organizations are working towards developing vaccines with at least 75% protective efficacy against clinical malaria by 2030, as part of the Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap[3].

Despite these advancements, malaria remains a significant global health challenge. According to the WHO's latest report, there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 related fatalities worldwide in 2023, with the African region bearing the heaviest burden[4].

These recent developments highlight the ongoing efforts and progress in combating malaria, with a focus on both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term vaccine solutions.

In recent days, the global health community has been grappling with significant developments and challenges related to malaria, particularly focusing on outbreaks and vaccine advancements.

In northwest Congo, a surge in malaria cases has raised alarm among health officials. Since late January, nearly 1,100 cases have been reported, with at least 60 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that while malaria is prevalent in Congo's Equateur province, detailed investigations are ongoing to determine if other factors are contributing to the outbreak. The hardest hit area is the village of Bomate, where 98% of the cases and 86% of the deaths have been recorded. Patients are exhibiting typical malaria symptoms such as fever, body aches, and chills, but access to medical care has been hindered by the remote locations of the affected villages[1].

Meanwhile, in the realm of vaccine development, BioNTech's investigational RNA vaccine for malaria, BNT165e, has hit a roadblock. The FDA has placed a clinical hold on the Phase I/IIa trial of this mRNA-based vaccine, which is designed to prevent blood-stage infection and induce long-term immunity. Although the reasons for the hold are not specified, BioNTech is working with the FDA to address the concerns and determine the next steps for the trial. This vaccine is part of a broader effort to develop highly effective malaria vaccines, with the goal of reducing disease and infection-related deaths[2].

Despite these challenges, there have been significant advancements in malaria vaccine technology. The WHO has recommended the use of two malaria vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, for children living in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission. These vaccines have shown promising results, reducing uncomplicated malaria by around 40%, severe malaria by 30%, and all-cause mortality by 13%. The global health community is also exploring new vaccine candidates, such as the PfSPZ-LARC2 vaccine developed by researchers at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute. This genetically engineered vaccine has shown 100% protection against infection in animal models and is set to enter clinical trials this summer[3][5].

The ongoing efforts to combat malaria are underscored by the persistent global burden of the disease. According to the WHO's latest report, there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 related fatalities worldwide in 2023. The African region bears the heaviest burden, with countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, and Nigeria among those most affected[4].

As research and development continue, the hope is that these new vaccines and ongoing public health strategies will help reduce the incidence of malaria and ultimately move towards its elimination in highly endemic areas.

In recent developments, the global fight against malaria has seen significant milestones, particularly in the realm of vaccination.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria mortality has returned to pre-COVID-19 crisis levels, although the organization is urging for faster progress against the disease. In 2023, there were 263 million cases of malaria worldwide, an increase of 11 million from the previous year, but the death toll remained relatively stable at around 597,000 deaths. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had led to a sharp increase in malaria-related mortality, but since then, the total number of deaths and the mortality rate have gradually decreased[1].

A key factor in this improvement is the wider rollout of malaria vaccines. The WHO has highlighted the promise of two vaccines, RTS,S and R21/Matrix-M, which have been introduced in several African countries. These vaccines have shown significant efficacy in reducing malaria cases and deaths, especially among young children. In the pilot countries of Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana, nearly two million children have received the RTS,S vaccine, resulting in a 13-percent drop in mortality over four years[1].

The RTS,S vaccine, which was the first to be recommended by the WHO, has demonstrated its ability to reduce malaria and severe malaria cases by approximately 39% and 29%, respectively, over four years of follow-up. The vaccine has also reduced hospital admissions and the need for blood transfusions due to malaria-related anemia[5].

Recently, a new malaria vaccine candidate, PfSPZ-LARC2, has shown promising results. Developed by researchers at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute and the biotechnology company Sanaria, this vaccine uses genetic engineering to create a parasite that can multiply in the liver without causing symptoms, thereby stimulating a strong immune response. The PfSPZ-LARC2 vaccine has provided 100% protection against infection in animal models and is set to enter clinical trials. This vaccine holds potential to save millions of lives and could be a crucial tool in eliminating malaria from defined geographic regions[2].

As the world continues to battle malaria, new challenges are emerging, such as the spread of mosquito habitats due to a warming climate. Researchers are using advanced techniques to develop new treatments, including a compound to combat the resurgence of malaria. This is particularly important as malaria is not only prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa but is also returning to areas in North America and Europe where it had previously been eradicated[4].

In summary, while malaria remains a significant global health threat, recent advancements in vaccination and ongoing research offer hope for reducing its impact. The continued rollout of existing vaccines and the development of new ones, such as PfSPZ-LARC2, are critical steps towards achieving the vision of a world free from malaria.

In the ongoing battle against malaria, several recent developments have marked significant strides, particularly in the realm of vaccination and vector control.

### Malaria Vaccines

Two malaria vaccines, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), have been at the forefront of recent discussions. The vaccines, RTS,S and the newer R21, have shown promising efficacy in reducing malaria cases. The R21 vaccine, an improved version of RTS,S, has demonstrated slightly higher efficacy, especially in seasonal malaria settings. In clinical trials, R21 achieved a 75% vaccine efficacy against clinical malaria in children aged 5 to 17 months, compared to RTS,S's 56% efficacy in similar settings[4].

These vaccines are crucial as they reduce uncomplicated malaria by around 40%, severe malaria by about 30%, and all-cause mortality by 13%. The WHO's recommendation of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine in 2023 is expected to ensure sufficient vaccine supply to benefit all children living in malaria-endemic areas[2].

### Challenges and Funding

Despite the progress, funding remains a critical issue. Ahead of the Global Fund Replenishment, heads of state and government have warned that without increased funding, the number of malaria cases and deaths could rise significantly. The RBM Partnership to End Malaria has emphasized that malaria is not only a health issue but also exacerbates poverty, strains health systems, and worsens existing vulnerabilities such as displacement and gender inequality[5].

### Vector Control

In addition to vaccination, innovative vector control methods are being developed. Scientists at the University of California have introduced a precision-guided sterile insect technique (SIT) aimed at eliminating the primary African malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. This CRISPR-based genetic technique has shown over 99.25% efficiency in sterilizing male mosquitoes, which can significantly suppress wild Anopheles gambiae populations and prevent malaria transmission[1].

### Environmental Factors

Environmental changes, particularly deforestation, have also been linked to increased malaria cases. A recent study in the Brazilian Amazon revealed that a 1% increase in deforestation is associated with a 6.3% rise in malaria cases within a month. Deforestation alters mosquito breeding habitats, leading to higher mosquito densities and increased malaria transmission. This underscores the need for region-specific strategies that consider ecological and demographic differences[3].

In summary, while malaria vaccines and advanced vector control techniques offer hope, sustained funding and addressing environmental factors such as deforestation are essential to effectively combat malaria and move towards its eradication.