Sudan has officially launched its first malaria vaccination program, marking a significant step in efforts to protect children from the deadly disease amid the country’s ongoing 18-month civil war. The vaccination campaign targets approximately 148,000 children under the age of 12 months across 15 sites in the Gedaref and Blue Nile states.
Sudan is one of the first 16 African countries to introduce the malaria vaccine, with the rollout supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The vaccine’s distribution follows the arrival of an initial shipment of 186,000 doses in October. In 2025 and 2026, the campaign will expand to include 129 vaccination sites across the country.
Malaria remains a major health threat in Africa, with UNICEF estimating that nearly half a million children under age 5 die from the disease each year. In Sudan, more than 3.4 million malaria cases were reported in 2023, resulting in approximately 7,900 deaths. However, UNICEF cautions that these figures may be underreported due to the ongoing conflict and disruptions in communication.
The malaria vaccine, which is recommended for children aged 5 to 12 months, is expected to reduce hospital admissions and mortality rates from the disease.
Since the war began in April 2023, more than 14 million people—about 30% of Sudan’s population—have been displaced, according to the United Nations. The conflict erupted after escalating tensions between the Sudanese military and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leading to violence in the capital, Khartoum, and spreading throughout the country.
