R21, also known as R21/Matrix-M, is a malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is the second malaria vaccine to receive a WHO recommendation and the first to meet the WHO goal of at least 75% efficacy. Initial trials reported a 77% efficacy rate and higher antibody levels than the RTS,S vaccine. Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority approved the vaccine in April 2023 for children aged five months to three years.

In Equatorial Guinea, R21 is part of a plan to expand malaria elimination efforts from Bioko Island to the mainland and Annobon Island. The strategy combines existing malaria control tools with vaccination, and the country plans to vaccinate 300,000 children across the territory.