Sudan has embarked on a new malaria vaccination campaign to protect its youngest and most vulnerable citizens despite the challenges posed by the country’s ongoing 18-month civil conflict. In this first phase, the vaccination program aims to immunize approximately 148,000 children under the age of 12 months in 15 locations across Gedaref and the Blue Nile states.
Sudan is among the first 16 African nations to introduce this life-saving malaria vaccine, underscoring the urgency of the country’s battle against one of Africa’s most deadly diseases. This initiative is being led by Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The rollout follows the October arrival of Sudan’s first batch of malaria vaccines—186,000 doses—to combat a disease that claims nearly half a million African children under the age of five each year, according to UNICEF. Over the next two years, the vaccine campaign will expand, with plans to introduce it across 129 additional sites by 2025 and 2026. Designed for children between five and 12 months, the vaccine is expected to reduce both hospitalizations and fatalities related to malaria, offering a critical shield against the disease.
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Sudan’s malaria burden is significant, with over 3.4 million cases estimated in 2023 alone, resulting in approximately 7,900 deaths. UNICEF warns that the actual numbers could be higher due to the breakdown in healthcare infrastructure and communications amid the ongoing civil conflict.
The country has been deeply impacted by a devastating internal conflict since April 2023, when tensions between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into violence. The resulting humanitarian crisis has displaced over 14 million people—about 30% of Sudan’s population—creating further challenges for health campaigns and the delivery of critical services.
Despite these obstacles, the malaria vaccination rollout reflects a significant step forward in Sudan’s public health response, prioritizing the protection of children in the most affected areas. Health officials and partners are optimistic that this effort will not only reduce malaria cases but also lay the groundwork for an expanded, nationwide vaccination campaign in the coming years.
