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EVI-led ADVANCE_VAC4PM: multistakeholder workshop explores strategies for malaria vaccine use in pregnancy

  • Writer: EVI
    EVI
  • Jun 20
  • 2 min read

An interactive online workshop titled “Strategies for using Malaria vaccines to prevent Malaria in pregnancy” was held on June 3rd, co-hosted by the European Vaccine Initiative (EVI) and La Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique (FORS) under the ADVANCE_VAC4PM project.


June 2025

The event brought together global health experts, researchers, regulators, and policymakers to explore how best to implement vaccines targeting malaria in pregnancy - a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.

Malaria during pregnancy can lead to severe complications for both mothers and newborns, including anemia, low birth weight, pre-term delivery, retardation of child growth and even death. Despite progress with current preventive measures, additional tools such as vaccines are urgently needed. This workshop provided a vital platform for coordinated dialogue on how vaccines to prevent malaria in pregnancy can be effectively developed, tested, and delivered.

Participants included representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), African Vaccine Regulatory Forum (AVAREF), JSI, Ministries of Health from across sub-Saharan Africa, and leading academic institutions. Sessions addressed the biology and burden of placental malaria, the status of promising vaccine candidates, regulatory pathways, and lessons learned from HPV vaccine roll-out and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp).

A key theme of the workshop was the development of the clinical roadmap to optimise the vaccination schedule and the design of large-scale pivotal studies, preparing for vaccine licensure and introduction. Discussions also focused on cost-effectiveness, socio-cultural considerations, and stakeholder engagement strategies—critical factors for successful vaccine uptake and sustained impact. 

“Vaccination programs targeting adolescents have proven very challenging” - says Flavia D’Alessio, Head of Vaccine Research at EVI – “Culturally sensitive outreach and vaccination campaigns will be essential to ensure successful vaccine uptake, especially in hard-to-reach populations, and to reduce the burden of malaria in pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa”.

Panel discussions and case studies further underscored the importance of clear communication, trust-building, and collaboration between communities, researchers, and public health authorities both at local and international level.

The workshop concluded with a call for continued coordination and investment to ensure that malaria vaccines for pregnancy become a viable and accessible reality.

As efforts to combat malaria evolve, initiatives like ADVANCE_VAC4PM are helping to shape a future where pregnant women and their babies are better protected against this deadly disease.

Contact details:

Dr. Flavia D’Alessio (Project Leader)


Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

 
 
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