Catarina Luis
Sr Communication & Project Manager, European Vaccine Initiative
Irina Nkumama
Malaria Programme Manager, European Vaccine Initiative
Romina Di Marzo
Sr Communication & Advocacy Manager, European Vaccine Initiative
The availability of malaria vaccines is a historic breakthrough in the fight against a disease that remains a leading cause of death in young children, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Malaria vaccines are being deployed in sub- Saharan African countries, bringing fresh hope for protecting children’s health and preventing needless deaths. However, significant implementation challenges must be overcome to fully realise their potential.
Improving vaccine uptake and delivery in West and Central Africa
We often see vaccine availability as the finish line, but it’s just another beginning. A major challenge lies in ensuring that these life-saving innovations reach children who need them most. To tackle this challenge, the OPT-MVAC partnership aims to support implementation research in 14 West and Central African countries with high seasonal transmission.
European Vaccine Initiative (EVI) and seven collaborating institutions will provide financial and technical assistance to national immunisation, pharmacovigilance and malaria programmes in monitoring vaccine uptake, understanding barriers to vaccination, strengthening communication and tailoring distribution strategies to local needs. Additionally, it will facilitate the sharing of best practices while leveraging opportunities to improve the delivery of other vaccines and health interventions along the way.
Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy,
often fuelled by historical distrust, pose
significant barriers to vaccine acceptance.
Culturally sensitive education and outreach
For all vaccines, and especially those designed to protect vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, early engagement with communities and stakeholders is crucial. An ethnographic study* conducted in 2024 and led by EVI and Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), explored cultural beliefs and practices surrounding pregnancy, placental malaria and vaccination.
The research team carried out focus groups and 300 surveys among men, women and traditional birth attendants in 10 villages in the Southern region of Malawi, representing a mix of rural and semi-urban populations. Beyond formal meetings, engagement often took on a more immersive form. Research goes far beyond data collection; it involves building relationships founded on mutual respect and understanding.
Cultural factors, such as language, traditions and the nuanced interaction between societal norms and healthcare practices, play a vital role in vaccine acceptance. Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, often fuelled by historical distrust, pose significant barriers to vaccine acceptance. Successful rollout of new vaccines requires culturally sensitive education and adapted outreach efforts.
Global vaccine development collaboration
The fight against malaria benefits from diverse perspectives and continued innovation. Global collaboration in vaccine development and delivery is both a moral imperative and an investment in global health security. By working together, engaging local communities from the outset and strengthening national research capacity, we can turn the tide against malaria and move closer to a world free of this deadly disease.
*Ethnographic study in Malawi research received support from Directorate-General for International Cooperation of the Netherlands (DGIS).
