COPENHAGEN/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 22 October 2026 – An agreement announced today will cut the price of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine by approximately 40 per cent. The deal, executed by UNICEF and financially backed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is expected to generate around US$50 million in savings between 2027 and 2029. As demand for malaria vaccines grows, this could protect up to one million more children with the full four-dose course, or help countries reach more children with other vaccines. The deal, enabled through an advance payment by the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), will bring the price of the vaccine to EUR 5.50 per dose, a reduction of approximately 40 per cent from the price paid today. The agreement is subject to regulatory and manufacturing milestones – including WHO prequalification of a new manufacturing facility that will enable greater supply capacity – which must be met before UNICEF begins procuring doses. The lower price, expected to take effect by early 2027, builds on the product transfer of the vaccine’s production to a developing country vaccine manufacturer, and reflects sustained efforts to shape a more sustainable and competitive malaria vaccine market. Greater affordability can support countries to protect more children, while a healthy market – with multiple vaccine options, sufficient manufacturing capacity, and reliable supply – is critical to ensuring long-term access as demand for the vaccine continues to grow. Demand for malaria vaccines has exceeded initial forecasts since rollout began in 2024. To date, more than 74 million doses have been procured and delivered by UNICEF. The Gavi-funded malaria programme is now part of routine immunization in 25 African countries that bear more than 70 per cent of the global malaria burden. At a time of unprecedented decline in funding for international aid, efforts to create affordable and sustainable supply are critical to meet the Alliance’s target to vaccinate 50
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