India’s drug regulator approved the country’s first homegrown malaria vaccine for emergency use, a milestone that could reshape disease prevention across the tropics. Developed by Bharat Biotech with WHO collaboration, the vaccine demonstrated 85% efficacy in trials.
Public health experts call it a game-changer, with rollout expected by mid-2026. The government plans to prioritise high-incidence regions, including Odisha and Assam, before expanding to Africa through export partnerships.
Officials say the approval reinforces India’s status as a leading vaccine innovation hub.
