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Children under 5 to benefit from maleria vaccine

6 December 2024, 7:13 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Journalists, Ministry of health officials take a group photo after the orientation.

Uganda is set to introduce the malaria vaccine, R21, in April 2025, becoming the 19th country to do so. This initiative is particularly significant, as Uganda ranks third globally in malaria cases and eighth in malaria-related deaths.

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in the country, causing a significant number of deaths and illnesses.

Ms Elizabeth Kaijuka, a public health officer at UNEPI, stated: “In Uganda, malaria accounts for 33% of outpatient department visits, 22% of hospitalisations, and 11% of deaths. Among children under five, it contributes to 14% of deaths. The economic burden of malaria is also considerable, with the government spending $32 million on prevention and treatment in 2019.”

Ms. Elizabeth Kaijuka, a public health officer at UNEPI.

In the fight against malaria, Dr Richard Kabanda, Commissioner for Health Promotion, Education, and Health Communication at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of engaging key stakeholders, including journalists, to raise awareness about the malaria vaccine and provide accurate information on its benefits and risks.

“You will see us engaging with kings, prime ministers, and queens to endorse the malaria vaccine and inform the public ahead of next year,” he stated.

Dr Richard Kabanda addressing the media during the orientation at Serena Hotel in Kampala.

The malaria vaccine will be introduced in 105 districts with moderate to high malaria transmission, targeting approximately 1.1 million children under five in its first year. During this period, 1,128,027 children are expected to receive 3,002,008 doses of the vaccine. It will be administered in four doses at six, seven, eight, and 18 months. Uganda will receive funding from GAVI to support the vaccine’s rollout.

The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Uganda marks a significant milestone in reducing malaria-related deaths and illnesses among children under five. With effective implementation and community engagement, the vaccine has the potential to save thousands of lives and improve the health and well-being of Uganda’s youngest citizens. This announcement was made during a media orientation on the malaria vaccine, held as part of the “BIG CATCH-UP” campaign.