Integration of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine into the Essential Programme on Immunisation in western Kenya: a qualitative longitudinal study from the health system perspective.

Background: Malaria accounts for over half a million child deaths annually. WHO recommends RTS,S/AS01 to prevent malaria in children living in moderate-to-high malaria transmission regions. We conducted a qualitative longitudinal study to investigate the contextual and dynamic factors shaping vaccine delivery and uptake during a pilot introduction in western Kenya.

RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine pilot implementation in western Kenya: a qualitative longitudinal study to understand immunisation barriers and optimise uptake.

Background: Malaria is a significant public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among children. The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine reduces the risk and severity of malaria in children. RTS,S/AS01 was piloted in three African countries, Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, to assess safety, feasibility and cost-effectiveness in real-world settings.