Gavi and UNICEF have signed a new procurement agreement to make the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine more affordable and widely available in malaria-endemic countries.

About R21/Matrix-M Vaccine

• R21/Matrix-M is a next-generation malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford in partnership with Serum Institute of India (SII).
  • Matrix-M Adjuvant: Developed by Novavax, it boosts immune response and makes the vaccine more effective and longer-lasting.
• It targets Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite.
• Approval Status: In October 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the R21/Matrix-M vaccine for wider use, making it the second WHO-approved malaria vaccine after RTS,S.
• Efficacy & Advantages:
  • Shows ~70–80% efficacy over 12 months when given as a three-dose primary series plus a booster.
  • More cost-effective and easier to manufacture compared to RTS,S, enabling large-scale rollout in high-burden countries.

About Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI)

• Gavi is a public–private global health partnership that works to increase access to life-saving vaccines in low- and middle-income countries.
• Founded: It was launched in 2000 at the World Economic Forum (Davos).
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Mission & Objectives:
  • Its mission is to save lives, reduce disease, and strengthen immunization systems by improving access to vaccines.
  • Gavi supports equitable vaccine distribution, helps countries introduce new vaccines, and strengthens cold-chain and delivery systems.
• Key partners: Gavi brings together –Governments of donor and recipient countries, WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Vaccine manufacturers
  • Civil society organisations
• Key Achievements: 
  • Since its creation in 2000, Gavi has helped vaccinate over 1 billion children in the world’s poorest countries, preventing more than 17.3 million future deaths.
  • It enabled large-scale rollout of vaccines such as pentavalent, pneumococcal, HPV, rotavirus, and COVID-19vaccines.
  • Gavi co-led COVAX, the global COVID-19 vaccine distribution mechanism.
• India & Gavi
  • India’s relationship with Gavi has evolved significantly over the past decade. 
  • Having graduated from Gavi’s support framework in 2017, India is no longer a recipient of assistance but has emerged as a key vaccine supplier and contributor.
  • India pledged $10 million during the previous funding cycle as part of its commitment to global immunization efforts.

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About Malaria

• Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• It is common in tropical regions, but is preventable and treatable. 
• Causative Parasites: Five species of Plasmodium infect humans- P. falciparum, P. vivax (most widespread in India), P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi (zoonotic parasite found in Southeast Asia).
• Transmission: Malaria does not spread from person to person, though it can also be transmitted through infected blood or contaminated needles. 
• Symptoms:  Fever, chills, sweating and headache, fatigue etc.
  • Severe cases lead to anemia, cerebral malaria, organ failure, and death (mainly due to P. falciparum).
• Current Scenario:
  • Global Burden:  According to WHO’s latest World malaria report, there were an estimated 263 million cases and 597 000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2023.
    • Africa accounts for ~95% of cases and deaths.
  • India:
    • India has significantly reduced malaria cases under the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030).
    • Persistent Pockets: Tribal districts like Lawngtlai (Mizoram) and Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) still report high incidence—56 and 22 cases per 1,000 respectively.
    • P. vivax is the most prevalent species, while falciparum dominates in tribal and forested areas (Odisha, Chhattisgarh, NE states).
    • India aims for malaria elimination by 2030, in alignment with WHO goals.

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