Gavi, UNICEF Secure Affordable Malaria Vaccine Deal

On November 24, 2025, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF announced a breakthrough pricing agreement for the R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine, aimed at drastically expanding access and affordability. With malaria still claiming nearly half a million child deaths each year, this initiative is set to protect 7 million additional children by the end of the decade. The deal is made possible through Gavi’s advance financing, backed by the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), which allows long-term donor pledges to be converted into immediate funding.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

The new pricing agreement will,

• Lower the future price per vaccine dose to US$ 2.99
• Generate up to US$ 90 million in savings
• Enable procurement of 30 million more doses
• Support full vaccination of 7 million children
• Help Gavi move toward its target of vaccinating 50 million children by 2030

The reduced price is expected to be implemented within one year, and supports the establishment of a sustainable and competitive malaria vaccine market.

Global Burden and Urgent Need

In 2023, the world recorded 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths, with 95% of fatalities occurring in Africa, mainly among children under five. Many high-burden countries lack consistent access to prevention and treatment, placing a heavy burden on families and public health systems.

Treating malaria remains costly,

• US$ 4–7 for basic outpatient care
• US$ 70+ for severe cases requiring hospitalization

This vaccine initiative, therefore, not only saves lives but also reduces healthcare costs significantly in vulnerable regions.

UNICEF and Gavi’s Role in Vaccine Equity

UNICEF, the world’s largest vaccine buyer, plays a crucial role in ensuring strategic procurement and manufacturer partnerships. In collaboration with Gavi, it supports fair pricing and a secure supply chain of life-saving vaccines. UNICEF delivers around three billion doses annually, reaching nearly half of the world’s children.

Gavi, on the other hand, supports over 24 African countries, which account for 70% of the world’s malaria burden, and has already helped deliver 40 million doses of malaria vaccines through national immunization programs.

Innovative Financing Through IFFIm

The deal is underpinned by IFFIm, Gavi’s financial innovation tool, which provides quick funding solutions by leveraging long-term donor commitments. This allows rapid response to opportunities like vaccine price reductions and supply scaling.

Ken Lay, Chair of IFFIm’s Board, stated: “We’re not just funding vaccines – we’re helping fight malaria and create a future where every child has a fair chance at protection.”

Static Facts

• Deal Partners: Gavi, UNICEF, IFFIm
• Vaccine Name: R21/Matrix-M™
• New Price per Dose: US$ 2.99
• Total Savings Expected: US$ 90 million
• Additional Doses Enabled: 30 million
• Children to be Protected: 7 million (by 2030)
• Gavi Vaccination Target: 50 million children