The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine has shown 85% efficacy in a large phase 3 trial conducted across Africa, according to an announcement from the World Health Organization. The results mark an important step in the fight against a disease that continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people each year, especially young children.

WHO said it is moving quickly to expand recommendations for the vaccine’s use, with a focus on children under five who face the highest risk of severe illness and death. Health officials have long sought a more effective tool to complement mosquito control, testing, and treatment programs.

If rolled out at scale, the vaccine could help reduce the burden on families and health systems in regions where malaria remains endemic. Public health experts say access, funding, and distribution will be key to turning the trial’s promise into real-world protection.

The announcement adds momentum to global efforts to curb malaria, which has proved stubbornly difficult to eliminate despite decades of prevention campaigns. The next challenge will be ensuring the vaccine reaches the communities that need it most.