By Steven Enatu
Uganda has begun a nationwide malaria vaccination drive, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the disease. On March 7, 2025, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng received the first batch of 2,278,000 vaccine doses from UNICEF, kicking off the world’s largest malaria vaccine rollout.
The vaccine rollout is a crucial step toward achieving Vision 2040, which envisions a modern and prosperous Uganda. By reducing child mortality and illness, the initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The long-term benefits of the vaccine rollout include higher school attendance, increased productivity, and economic growth.
Malaria remains Uganda’s deadliest disease, draining families financially and disrupting lives. Every day, 32,900 people fall sick from malaria, preventing them from attending school, working, or running businesses. The vaccine rollout is expected to provide immense relief, particularly for low-income households.
The four-dose regimen, administered at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months, has been widely used in countries like Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, and Cameroon since 2019, proving safe and effective. Most side effects, such as mild fever and soreness, are temporary and resolve within two days.
Unlike traditional control measures like bed nets and indoor spraying, the malaria vaccine offers internal protection by preventing the parasite from reaching the liver, where it multiplies before attacking red blood cells. The vaccine will be administered across 105 high-burden districts, starting April 2, with Apac District leading the historic effort.
The Teso region, historically one of Uganda’s hardest-hit areas, is a major focus of the vaccine rollout. Districts including Soroti, Kumi, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, Kalaki, Kapelebyong, and Ngora will be among the first to receive the vaccine.
Recognizing the potential for vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation and deep-seated beliefs, the Ministry of Health engaged cultural leaders under the Iteso Cultural Union. This meeting aimed to dispel myths, especially false claims linking the vaccine to infertility, strengthen public trust in immunization programs, and mobilize cultural leaders as advocates for vaccination in their communities.
Dr. Joseph Okware, Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in shaping public perception. By working with cultural leaders, the government hopes to ensure widespread acceptance of the vaccine.
ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ochole has commended the initiative and requested the Ministry of Health to ensure accurate translation of vaccine information into Ateso. This move will help prevent misinformation and promote public awareness and understanding of the malaria vaccine rollout.
The government urges parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the free vaccine, available in government health facilities from April. The vaccine’s protection lasts 3 to 4 years, significantly reducing severe malaria cases and deaths.
Dr. Alfred Anyonga, the City Health Officer for Soroti, highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to prepare for the vaccine rollout. “We started sensitization two weeks ago with top city leaders and medical practitioners. At the hospital level, we are ready, and our Village Health Team (VHT) coordinators are also well-prepared. By April, we expect to be fully set,” Dr. Anyonga stated.
However, he pointed out a major challenge in reaching the wider community due to limited funding for radio talk shows. “Community sensitization is crucial, but we are struggling with securing airtime on radio stations. Without proper funding, it will be difficult to counter misinformation and ensure every parent understands the importance of this vaccine,” he added.
