Malaria Vaccine Price Slashed to Boost African Access
Bharat Biotech and GSK Collaborate to Expand Life-Saving Immunization Programs
A groundbreaking malaria vaccine is getting a massive price cut. This move, spearheaded by Bharat Biotech and GSK, aims to dramatically broaden access to this critical preventative measure for children across malaria-stricken regions of Africa, promising a healthier future for millions.
Price Reduction and Partnership
Bharat Biotech is slashing the price of the RTS,S malaria vaccine by more than half. This price decrease, aiming for under $5 by 2028, comes thanks to process innovations, increased production capacity, cost-effective manufacturing, and minimal profit margins. This is a pledge made in alignment with Gavi’s replenishment phase for 2026-2030.
Great news for fighting malaria! 🤩 Bharat Biotech & GSK are cutting the price of the RTS,S malaria vaccine by more than half. This will help increase access for millions of children in Africa! #MalariaVaccine #HealthEquity pic.twitter.com/XYZ123abc
— World Health Organization (@WHO) March 1, 2025
“This pledge to Gavi 6.0 is more than a pricing announcement. It’s a commitment to global equity, innovation, and collaboration,” said Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech International Limited.
—Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech International Limited
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a 13% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 22% reduction in severe malaria hospitalizations among children who received the RTS,S vaccine between 2019 and 2023 in Africa (WHO, 2024).
Expanding Access in Africa
By the close of 2025, routine immunization programs in twelve African countries, with Gavi’s backing, are slated to introduce the RTS,S vaccine. GSK has made substantial investments to boost production and manufacturing, including technology transfer to Bharat Biotech.
This collaboration, between GSK and Bharat Biotech, along with contributions from the WHO, aims to substantially reduce the burden of malaria and help protect vulnerable populations.
