By Sadique Bamwita
ENTEBBE
The government of Uganda has today March 7, 2025 been boosted with 2.2 million doses of malaria vaccines.
The minister for health, Jane Ruth Aceng, said the malaria vaccines are a joint contribution from GAVi and the government of Uganda. She revealed that the vaccines will be distributed to 105 districts and will be administered in four doses to children aged between 6-18 months.
Minister Aceng said the acquisition of malaria vaccines signifies a historic step towards reducing deaths and illnesses caused by malaria. She however revealed that the vaccination exercise will begin in April this year and will start in Apac district which is the most affected district in the country.
“This is a big step towards elimination of malaria across the country. Malaria is the leading cause of deaths and illnesses particularly among young children and pregnant women. Every day we lose six people to malaria,” she said.
She says that with the acquisition of malaria vaccines, the country is moving towards reducing mortality among children.
The vaccine has been scientifically proven in reducing malaria.
“We expect 3.5 million doses of malaria for distribution in 105 districts but today we have so far got 2.2million doses. As more doses are made available we shall cover the whole country,” she reveals.
However, the Malaria vaccine doesn’t replace the existing malaria interventions.
“The vaccines will administered to children between 6- 18 months. The four doses will be administered to children in this order 6 months, 7 months, 8 months and 18 months,” she added.
The Assistant Commissioner in charge of malaria control at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jimmy Opigo explained that the vaccine will help to prevent multiplication of malaria parasites from getting into the blood.
The representative of World Health Organization and Head of mission in Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, noted that the vaccines are safe, effective and will go a long way to save lives.
“The vaccine is a historic milestone in Uganda in the fight against malaria. The vaccines are preventive measures for life time. The impact of malaria disease is devastating. So far, seventeen countries have introduced this vaccine reaching over 4 million children.
The Representative of UNICEF to Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy, emphasized that the acquired malaria vaccines will complement other existing malaria interventions. He revealed that available data indicate that every year, Uganda registers 20,000 deaths caused by malaria while 15-20% of hospital admissions are for malaria cases.
He challenged National Medical Stores to deliver the vaccines to the intended beneficiaries.
Dr. Christine Ondoa, who represented Chairperson of National Medical Stores (NMS), assured the general public of safety of malaria vaccines and also appreciated development partners for the logistical support towards acquisition of the vaccines.
