Bharat Biotech, Gavi-UNICEF deal to cut malaria vaccine price by 40 pc

Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL) has announced an agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF to reduce the price of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine by approximately 40%, a move expected to generate $50 million in savings for childhood immunisation programmes and help protect up to one million additional children.

Under the agreement, executed by UNICEF and financially backed by Gavi, the price of the vaccine, marketed by Bharat Biotech under the brand name Mosqivac, will fall to €5.50 per dose from early 2027. The reduction is expected to improve affordability for malaria-endemic countries, particularly in Africa, where the disease continues to impose a significant public health and economic burden.

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The savings are projected to accrue between 2027 and 2029, allowing immunisation programmes to stretch limited funding further and potentially expand coverage without a proportionate increase in expenditure.

The agreement has been enabled by an advance payment from the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm), highlighting the role of innovative financing mechanisms in supporting access to essential vaccines.

Manufacturing investments back price cut

RTS, S/AS01, developed by GSK, PATH and partners, became the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021. Bharat Biotech subsequently took on manufacturing under a technology transfer arrangement.

GSK and Bharat Biotech have invested approximately $200 million in manufacturing capacity, product development and technology transfer to strengthen supply and reduce production costs.

“The Gavi–UNICEF deal is a far-reaching commitment to expand malaria vaccination and, according to Gavi/UNICEF estimates, can help ensure one million more children are protected from malaria,” said Dr Krishna Ella, executive chairman of Bharat Biotech. He added that the company had invested significantly in expanding supply and strengthening manufacturing to support sustainable and affordable access.

GSK's chief global health officer, Dr Harmony P Garges, said the agreement builds on investments by both companies to secure long-term, equitable access to the vaccine, particularly as global health resources come under increasing pressure.

What the price cut means for people

For governments and public health programmes, the lower price could mean more children vaccinated within existing budgets. The projected $50 million in savings could help immunisation programmes extend their reach, although the actual number of additional children protected will depend on vaccine procurement, funding and rollout.

The impact could be particularly significant in African countries, where malaria accounts for a substantial share of global cases and deaths. Children under five remain among the most vulnerable to severe disease.

A complete four-dose course of RTS, S/AS01 has been shown to reduce malaria cases by about 75% when administered seasonally in areas with highly seasonal transmission. Wider access could therefore help reduce illness, hospitalisations and pressure on healthcare facilities.

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For families, fewer malaria infections could also mean reduced medical expenses, less time away from work for caregivers and fewer disruptions to children's health and education. These are potential benefits rather than guaranteed outcomes and will depend on vaccination coverage and broader malaria-control measures.

Demand outpaces initial forecasts

Demand for malaria vaccines has exceeded initial projections since rollout began in 2024. UNICEF has procured and delivered more than 74 million doses, while Gavi-supported malaria vaccination programmes have been incorporated into routine immunisation in 25 African countries.

The price agreement comes as international health funding faces mounting pressure. Gavi aims to help vaccinate 50 million additional children against malaria by 2030.

Globally, malaria caused an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024, with Africa accounting for the overwhelming majority of the burden.

While the price reduction marks an important step towards improving affordability, vaccination will remain one component of malaria control, alongside insecticide-treated nets, vector control, preventive medicines, timely diagnosis and effective treatment.