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Ministry of health flags off malaria vaccine rollout to 105 districts

7 March 2025, 3:55 pm

Minister of Health unveiling the appearance of the vaccine at NMS.

By Byamukama Alozious

Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Health has dispatched 2.7 million doses of the malaria vaccine to 105 districts, prioritising areas with high and moderate malaria transmission. This initiative, valued at $9 million, makes Uganda the first country globally to enrol in the malaria vaccine programme.

According to Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health, malaria remains the leading cause of death for children under five, with at least 16 people dying daily, 10 of whom are children. The vaccine aims to reduce this burden, and its introduction marks a significant step forward in Uganda’s fight against malaria.

“The vaccine comes to reduce the burden as an additional tool, not to replace the existing ones,” Dr. Aceng said.

The malaria vaccine, R21, will be integrated into routine immunisation and administered to children four times at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months to complete the four-dose schedule.

Dr. Robin Nandy, representative of the UNICEF Uganda country office, commended the government of Uganda, Gavi, and other partners for this groundbreaking initiative. “At least 20,000 children die annually from malaria,” he said. “Malaria is responsible for 35 outpatients and 25 inpatients in hospitals.”

Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, leading the way for vaccine storage at NMS.

Dr. Anzoa Joy Christine Ondoa, board member of the National Medical Stores (NMS), assured the safety of vaccines and other health drugs stored at NMS. “The 30,000 pallets are safe and ready for distribution,” she said.

The vaccines, currently stored at the National Medical Stores in Entebbe, are being kept in seven modern cold rooms to ensure their safety. The main launch of the vaccination programme is set for 2 April in Apac District, Lango Sub-region, which is one of the regions with high malaria transmission.

Dr. Aceng emphasised that the vaccine is an additional tool to existing malaria prevention methods, such as bush clearing, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, and antimalarial drugs. She also stressed that the vaccine is free, and no one should pay for it.

“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Uganda is a historic step forward in our fight against this deadly disease,” Dr. Aceng said. “With the support of Gavi, UNICEF, and other partners, we are ensuring that every eligible child has access to this life-saving intervention.”

National medical stores, NMs.

The Ministry of Health noted that with the reduction in malaria cases, parents will be more productive, leading to economic development. Dr. Aceng pointed out that children will now be safer, and parents will be more productive, which will contribute to economic growth.