KAMPALA – In a landmark move to combat malaria, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has announced that the malaria vaccine will be incorporated into the routine immunization schedule for children aged six months to five years, starting April 2025. The initiative targets the high prevalence of malaria in the country, where three out of every ten patients seeking medical treatment are affected by the disease.
The vaccine, which will be administered in four doses to children under two years old, will initially be rolled out in 105 high-burden districts. The first batch of the malaria vaccine is expected to arrive in Uganda on February 7, 2025, marking a critical milestone in the country’s fight against the deadly disease.
Despite a recent freeze in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Health has assured the public that the vaccination campaign will proceed as planned. Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero has been a vocal advocate for the vaccine’s introduction, emphasizing its potential to save lives and reduce the burden of malaria on Uganda’s healthcare system.
In August 2022, Dr. Aceng urged Members of Parliament to support the rollout of RTS,S, the world’s first malaria vaccine, which has undergone 35 years of rigorous research and development. The vaccine has shown promise in reducing severe malaria cases and deaths among children in pilot programs conducted in other African countries.
Malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death in Uganda, particularly among children under five. The introduction of the vaccine is expected to significantly reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality, contributing to the country’s broader public health goals.
The Ministry of Health is working closely with partners to ensure the successful implementation of the vaccination program. Dr. Aceng reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the health of Uganda’s children, calling the initiative a “game-changer” in the fight against malaria.
As preparations for the rollout continue, health officials are urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the vaccine once it becomes available. The Ministry of Health also plans to conduct extensive public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the benefits of the malaria vaccine and address any concerns.
This vaccination initiative represents a significant step forward in Uganda’s efforts to combat malaria and improve the health and well-being of its youngest citizens.
