[Articles] Impact of introducing RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine on mortality in young children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi: an observational evaluation of a cluster-randomised implementation programme

AI Summary

The implementation of the RTS,S malaria vaccine has shown promising results in reducing mortality among children in three African countries. The study highlights the critical need for broader access to malaria vaccination to combat high child mortality rates in endemic regions.

Introduction of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in routine immunisation programmes was associated with a significant reduction in mortality in young children, averting about one in eight deaths, in areas with moderate coverage of three doses of the vaccine and low uptake of the fourth dose. These results highlight the urgency to accelerate the deployment of malaria vaccines in areas of Africa where malaria continues to be a leading cause of child mortality.