While new tools in the last decades led to significant progress in prevention, diagnostic and treatment, malaria affected 263 million people in 2023 and caused almost 600,000 deaths (1). Africa remains the most affected region, accounting for 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. Among the victims, 76% were children under the age of five. Every hour, 50 children under the age of 5 die of malaria in Africa.

Two malaria vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M™, are now recommended by the WHO with promising results.

Currently, about twenty countries, including Chad, are integrating malaria vaccines into their child immunization programs and national malaria control plans. Many questions remain as to the best strategy for administering these vaccines on a large scale and in the most effective way possible, depending on the context.

In partnership with Chadian health authorities, Epicentre is currently conducting a study in Moissala (MSF project) to compare a routine (EPI/PEV) approach to administering R21/ Matrix-M™ with an approach that combines vaccination with seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SPC) campaigns in areas of high seasonal transmission. MSF supports the Ministry of Health to improve access to pediatric and maternal care at Moissala Hospital and in the district.