Kenya’s malaria vaccine’s real-world effects 2023

Malaria vaccine implementation is discussed by caregivers, health leaders, and community health volunteers.

Lake Victoria, Africa’s biggest tropical lake, is the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. Birds, fish, and animals thrive in this amazing habitat. Malaria mosquitoes love the same environment.

The real-world effects of the malaria vaccination in Kenya, beyond the statistics

Kenya’s “lake-endemic” malaria zone is surrounding the lake. Malaria has infected most residents there, and many have lost loved ones, especially children.

“When I was growing up, I had multiple malaria bouts, and I’ve seen children suffer from lasting disabilities,” recalls Vivienne, a mother of five from Chemelil market, a small community outside Kisumu. Malaria strikes my three oldest children often. They lose their appetite, get fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, and become quite weak.”

Vivienne and other Kenyan moms were excited about the world’s first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, in 2019. (or RTS,S).

The WHO-coordinated Malaria Vaccine Implementation Plan piloted the vaccine in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi that year (MVIP). The pilots tested whether caregivers would bring their children to clinics for the 4-dose schedule and if the vaccine would reduce pediatric malaria sickness and mortality in routine usage.

After four years, more than 1.4 million children in the three trial nations have received the vaccination, including 400,000 in Kenya.

Malaria vaccine impact

“Whatever we were doing before, we reached a point where the burden [of malaria] plateaued, and we required an extra tool,” said Dr. Gregory Ganda, Kisumu County Executive for Health.

The vaccination, coupled with insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, preventative therapy for pregnant women, and efficient malaria treatments, has saved lives for more than three years.

After the vaccine was administered in regions of Kenya, severe malaria hospitalizations for children under 5 and child fatalities have decreased.

Dr. Ganda says pediatric malaria admissions have decreased over the previous three years. “As a doctor, considering shutting a ward due to low patient numbers is great.”

Meeting malaria vaccine kids

After giving birth to Isaac, Rose Akinyi, a community health worker, told Vivienne about the malaria vaccination. Kenyan community health volunteers connect caregivers to the health system. Rose reminded her of Kenyan immunizations while checking on Vivienne and Isaac. Vivienne lives in one of the 26 sub-counties that piloted the malaria vaccine.

Isaac has had all four malaria vaccine shots, while his 13-month-old sibling Moses has received three.

Isaac and Moses have less malaria than my other children. Vivienne adds, “The kids are stronger and have less severe malaria.”

Stella, Margaret Atieno’s daughter, received her third immunization injection in Homa Bay. She wished her older children had had the extra protection.

“Vaccination protects my child,” she remarked. “I wish you had another one for the larger children to protect them like Stella.”

The vaccine saves children’s lives, caregivers demand it for their children, and more at-risk youngsters are receiving this malaria protection.

The malaria vaccine is revolutionary. Under-1 and under-5 mortality has decreased. “People didn’t think we could have a malaria vaccine, and now everyone’s happy,” said Homa Bay County Director of Health Dr. Gordon Okomo.

Kenya just doubled malaria vaccine access in trial regions, and the Ministry of Health plans to continue gradual introduction.

Using fresh opportunities

Malaria vaccine visits allow healthcare personnel to evaluate children who may not normally attend health centers or hospitals for other missing immunizations.

Maureen Atieno, nurse in charge of the maternity and child health clinic at Homa Bay teaching and referral hospital, says the malaria vaccine has helped her track clients and increase vaccination uptake. “When you follow-up for malaria vaccination we may identify those who have defaulted for other immunizations, including measles-rubella.”

Looking ahead

Malaria vaccine demand is unparalleled beyond Kenya. At least 28 African nations will request Gavi vaccination funding. First dosages will be prioritized for children in need due to limited quantity. The vaccination will reach more youngsters inside and across endemic nations as supply meets demand. WHO, Gavi, UNICEF, and partners prioritize vaccination supply to maximize benefits.