Safe Start

Duration

15/03/2025 - 15/09/2026

Coordinator

Clara Menéndez

Funded by

Fundación ”la Caixa”

Malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death among young children in Sierra Leone, despite the existence  of effective and affordable control strategies . In 2024, the country became one of the first in Africa to introduce the RTS,S malaria vaccine into its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), marking a significant step in the fight against the disease. However, questions remain about how best to integrate the vaccine into routine health services and ensure its accessibility for all children.

SafeStart is a pioneering initiative designed to evaluate the real-world implementation and effectiveness of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in Sierra Leone. Through a combination of a community survey, health system data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, the project aims to:

• Assess vaccine coverage, uptake, and effectiveness in reducing malaria burden. Identify barriers and facilitators to vaccine acceptance and delivery at the community and health system levels.
• Explore how integrating RTS,S with other childhood immunizations and preventive treatments can enhance health outcomes.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen immunization programs and child health policies.
• Train healthcare workers to enhance their capacity in vaccine delivery, monitoring, and integration, using a co-designed curriculum with the Ministry of Health.

By generating critical insights, SafeStart will support the Ministry of Health and global health partners in ensuring that the malaria vaccine reaches the children who need it most. Ultimately, this project is about improving child survival, enhancing healthcare delivery, and shaping the future of malaria prevention in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Total Funding

400.000€