Catarina Luis
Senior Communication & Project Manager, European Vaccine Initiative
Flavia D’Alessio
Head of Vaccine Research, European Vaccine Initiative
Protecting children’s health begins even before they are born. New clinical research is now making important strides to safeguard mothers and their babies from a persistent threat in many parts of the world: malaria.
Malaria during pregnancy can lead to the development of placental malaria, a major cause of stillbirths, preterm deliveries, low birth weights, retardation of child growth, poor cognitive outcomes and infant mortality. It is estimated that 36% of pregnant women across 33 African countries were infected with malaria in 2022, resulting in an estimated 393,000 to 914,000 neonates with low birthweight and poorer health outcomes.*
Advancing maternal malaria vaccines
The European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), in collaboration with the University of Oxford and the Malaria Research & Training Centre in Mali, is undertaking a clinical trial to test the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine in women of childbearing age. By evaluating the safety, efficacy and immune response to the vaccine, this study aims to close a critical gap in maternal and infant health protection. This could lead to an expanded use of the vaccine, which is already licensed for children in several African countries, helping shield both mothers and their future children from malaria’s devastating impact.
In a parallel effort, EVI is also leading a major European-African partnership, ADVANCE-VAC4PM, to develop a dedicated vaccine against placental malaria. The consortium aims to accelerate the development of two promising vaccine candidates, PRIMVAC and PAMVAC, which have already demonstrated strong immune responses and safety in early clinical trials.
It is estimated that 36% of pregnant
women across 33 African countries
were infected with malaria in 2022.
Developing maternal health solutions
Through innovative approaches, such as the use of virus-like particle technology and combination strategies, the vaccine-induced protection and duration of immune responses will be optimised. Importantly, these activities are integrated with eHealth efforts for developing a mobile application to monitor pregnancy outcomes. It serves as an important tool to support clinical research in pregnant women and improve the antenatal routine monitoring care system. This will help promote the health of mothers and babies, a neglected yet highly vulnerable population group in sub-Saharan Africa.
Securing the health of the future
These initiatives are crucial steps in the broader mission to improve paediatric and maternal health globally. Tackling the root causes of poor health outcomes in children and investing in innovative solutions gives children worldwide the opportunity to survive, thrive and grow up healthy.
NCT06080243 clinical trial in Mali receives support from Directorate-General for International Cooperation of the Netherlands (DGIS).
ADVANCE VAC4PM – 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 European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
*Source: World Health Organization. 2023. World Malaria Report 2023.
