Ethiopia has launched its first malaria vaccine, targeting 58 high-burden districts, in a bid to protect children from the disease. The vaccine rollout, which began on September 18, 2025, in Turmi, South Omo Zone, will be accompanied by a mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets. This two-pronged approach aims to strengthen the country’s efforts to combat malaria, which claimed 1,157 lives and affected over 7.3 million people last year.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will provide 186,000 doses of the vaccine, as well as over 12 million mosquito nets, to support the initiative. Ethiopia is the 23rd African country to introduce malaria vaccination, marking a significant step in the fight against the disease. According to Agonafer Tekalegne, Country Director of Malaria Consortium Ethiopia, the introduction of the malaria vaccine strengthens collective efforts to move closer to a future where no child has to suffer or die from malaria.
The launch event was attended by officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, the Regional Health Bureau, and representatives from organizations including Malaria Consortium and the World Health Organization. Dr. Dereje Dhuguma, State Minister of Health, emphasized the significance of the vaccine, stating that it can bring significant benefits when integrated with existing interventions.
Malaria Consortium, which has a longstanding relationship with the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia, has been supporting the country’s efforts to reduce the burden of malaria. The organization has assisted in the rollout of the malaria vaccine in several other countries, including Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Uganda. With its presence in the South Ethiopia region, Malaria Consortium is well-positioned to support the vaccine rollout and malaria prevention and control efforts in the area.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine comes at a crucial time, as recent surges in malaria cases threaten to undo years of progress. The vaccine rollout is expected to play a critical role in protecting children and reducing the burden of the disease in Ethiopia. As the country moves forward with the initiative, it is likely to have a significant impact on the fight against malaria, both locally and regionally.