4 November 2024, Port Sudan, Sudan – The Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, rolled out malaria vaccines for the first time in the country today to bolster efforts to protect children from the deadly disease.

The launch follows the arrival of the first consignment of 186 000 doses of the malaria vaccines to Sudan in October. The vaccinations will begin today in health facilities in 15 localities in the Gedaref and the Blue Nile states, benefitting more than 148 000 children under the age of 12 months. In 2025 and 2026, the vaccine will be introduced in 129 localities across Sudan.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we introduce the malaria vaccine in Sudan. This initiative reflects our strong and unwavering commitment to malaria control and our collective determination to protect the lives of our children. By focusing on reducing malaria mortality in children under five, we are taking a critical step toward securing a healthier, brighter future for the next generation. This vaccine introduction not only reinforces our dedication to combating malaria but also brings us closer to a future where no child is lost to this preventable disease. Together, we are paving the way for a malaria-free Sudan,” said Dr Heitham Mohamed Ibrahim Awadallah, Sudan’s Federal Minister of Health.