Gov’t launches malaria vaccine campaign in Apac district

3 April 2025, 9:23 am

By Sarah Ejang and Olomo Joshua

In a significant step towards combating malaria, over 135 children under the age of five were vaccinated yesterday during the launch of the R21/Matrix Malaria Vaccine initiative at Boma Ground in Apac municipality.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, this initiative aims to immunise approximately 1.1 million children across Uganda to counter the devastating impact of malaria.

Uganda is among 11 countries—10 in Africa and one in India—making substantial efforts to reduce malaria cases. In 2024 alone, Uganda recorded approximately 10.9 million malaria cases, resulting in the tragic loss of 3,582 lives, with 16 individuals succumbing to the disease each day.

Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Uganda’s Minister of Health, emphasised the vaccine’s potential to prevent up to 800 severe malaria cases daily. She highlighted its critical importance in regions such as Apac district, which has one of the highest malaria transmission rates in the world, with residents enduring more than 1,500 mosquito bites annually.

Dr Aceng reassured the public about the safety of the vaccine, stating that it has undergone rigorous testing with no significant side effects.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, through Prime Minister Nabbanja, emphasised the urgency of introducing the malaria vaccine as a measure to safeguard Uganda’s health and economic prosperity.

James Odongo, the Apac District Health Officer, noted that malaria cases in the district remain alarmingly high, at 40.1% as of December 2024, particularly affecting pregnant women.

Local leaders, including Odongo Asante, Chairperson of the Apac District Local Council, voiced concerns about how malaria has hindered development in the region.

Community members, such as Sharon Okunyu from Angina cell and Immaculate Akullu from Inn village, expressed gratitude for the vaccine rollout, commending the government’s proactive approach in tackling malaria.

Dr Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, highlighted the importance of integrating the vaccine with other malaria prevention strategies and urged parents to ensure their children complete all four doses of the vaccine for maximum efficacy.

The Ugandan government has partnered with GAVI, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, PAITH, and CHAI to procure the malaria vaccine, positioning Uganda among 19 countries using this groundbreaking vaccine to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality.

To date, more than 2.2 million doses have been distributed across 105 districts, alongside extensive community mobilisation campaigns to raise awareness about the vaccine’s benefits.

The launch of this malaria vaccine reflects a global commitment to reducing malaria deaths and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, especially children.

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the implementation of the vaccination programme and its impact on the fight against malaria in Uganda.