By Eumu Emmanuel
Uganda has taken a groundbreaking step in combating malaria with the launch of its largest-ever malaria vaccine rollout. Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng flagged off the distribution of 2.278 million doses to 105 districts with high and moderate malaria transmission rates.
The vaccination program, set to begin in April 2025, will target children under two years old. The four-dose malaria vaccine will be administered at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months to ensure maximum protection against the disease. This initiative is backed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, with co-financing from the Government of Uganda.
UNICEF has procured and airlifted the vaccines, ensuring timely delivery and quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided technical guidance and endorsed the vaccine following successful pilot programs in Africa.
Dr. Aceng emphasized the government’s commitment to improving child health, stating, “The introduction of the malaria vaccine is a game-changer in our efforts to protect children from this deadly disease.”
The vaccine will complement existing malaria prevention measures, including insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and effective diagnosis and treatment. Uganda joins 17 African countries that have already introduced the malaria vaccine under Gavi’s support.
With vaccines now in the country, the Ministry of Health will embark on an awareness campaign to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of vaccination. Health workers are being trained to handle the rollout efficiently, and the government is urging all parents to take their children for immunization at health facilities.
The goal is to ensure every eligible child receives all four doses for full protection. This malaria vaccine introduction represents a breakthrough in Uganda’s public health sector, and if successfully implemented, it will significantly reduce malaria-related deaths and contribute to a healthier future for Ugandan children.
