The Ministry of Health, in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), and its Alliance partners including UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH, and CHAI has officially launched a nationwide malaria vaccination campaign. The milestone event took place on Wednesday in Apac District marking a historic step in the country’s fight against malaria.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine makes Uganda the 19th African nation to incorporate the vaccine into its routine immunization program. This campaign represents the most extensive malaria vaccine roll-out to date, covering a vast number of target districts and a significant portion of the population.
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine will be administered in four doses at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months. The initial phase will target 1.1 million children under the age of two across 105 high- and moderate-transmission districts, with an eventual goal of nationwide coverage.
Apac District, the launch site, has the highest recorded number of mosquito bites per person globally, with over 1,500 bites per person annually. Health officials anticipate that the vaccine will significantly reduce malaria-related mortality, particularly among young children.
Odongo Asenti, Local Council 5 Chairperson of Apac District, expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing healthcare initiatives, emphasizing that the vaccine will be instrumental in reducing malaria-related deaths among children.
Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda, accounting for 33% of outpatient visits, 22% of hospital admissions, and 6% of all deaths, according to WHO data from 2023. Uganda ranks among the top five African countries with the highest malaria burden, alongside Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.
Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, hailed the vaccine introduction as a major step forward in Uganda’s fight against malaria.
“The introduction of the vaccine marks a significant milestone in our fight against malaria. It is expected to prevent at least 800 cases of severe malaria among children every day and ease the financial burden on families, saving them approximately UGX 15,000 per case that would have been spent on treating severe malaria. I urge all parents and caregivers to ensure that children aged 6 to 18 months receive the malaria vaccine at the nearest health facility. For the best protection, it is essential that the children complete all four doses on schedule.” Said Dr. Aceng.
Gavi, which coordinates the global malaria vaccination program, plays a crucial role in providing financial support for vaccine procurement, transportation, and roll-out. To date, Gavi has helped 19 African nations integrate the malaria vaccine into their routine immunization programs. However, the continued success of this initiative relies on sustained funding, with Gavi seeking further financial support for the next five-year strategic period beginning in 2026.
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, stressed the importance of continued funding: “With one of the highest malaria incidence rates globally, Uganda faces a relentless battle against this deadly disease that has devastated families and communities for far too long. The malaria vaccine, proven safe and effective, saves lives and prevents hospitalizations. However, without sustained financial support, these life-saving efforts could falter, leaving millions of children vulnerable and undermining the progress made so far. Continued funding is crucial to sustain and expand these efforts, ensuring that more children are protected, and more countries benefit from this vital tool.”
UNICEF is responsible for vaccine procurement and air freighting, as well as conducting community awareness campaigns to increase vaccine demand.
“UNICEF is proud to support Uganda’s historic roll-out of the malaria vaccine, which represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to protect children from this deadly disease. This vaccine must be combined with existing preventive measures, and this combination of preventive measures will create a powerful shield against malaria. We urge all parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive all four doses of this life-saving vaccine as part of Uganda’s routine immunization services,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.
WHO played a key role in evaluating the malaria vaccine through a multiyear program in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi, which resulted in a 13% reduction in all-cause mortality among children. WHO Representative to Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“Today marks a historic turning point in Uganda’s fight against malaria. By integrating the malaria vaccine into routine immunization, Uganda is taking a bold step to protect its children, save lives and secure a healthier future. This vaccine is a game-changer, and together, we must ensure that every child receives it.”
To ensure a smooth roll out, the Ministry of Health, with partner support, has distributed 2.278 million doses of malaria vaccines to the 105 designated districts. Community mobilization efforts include engaging Members of Parliament, cultural and religious leaders, and conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns. Additionally, vaccine implementation plans, health worker training, and cold chain capacity enhancements have been executed.
The high-profile launch event at Apac Boma Grounds was attended by Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, along with Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and other senior government officials, healthcare experts, and dignitaries.
The malaria vaccination campaign is expected to greatly strengthen Uganda’s fight against the disease, saving thousands of lives and improving overall public health nationwide.
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