By Ebi Kesiena
Uganda has taken a groundbreaking step in the fight against malaria with the rollout of nearly 2.3 million doses of malaria vaccines across 105 high- and moderate-transmission districts. The initiative, launched on Thursday, marks the beginning of a nationwide campaign aimed at protecting vulnerable children under two years of age.
With a total of 3.5 million doses secured, Uganda’s phased distribution plan will progressively expand coverage to more regions. The first vaccinations were administered in Apac, northern Uganda, an area notorious for the highest mosquito bite rates globally. This initiative offers a crucial lifeline in a country where malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among young children, claiming the lives of 20,000 children under five annually.
Assistant Commissioner for Health Services at the National Malaria Control Division, Dr Jimmy Opigo, described the vaccine as a transformative tool in the fight against malaria.
“This vaccine is a game-changer, turning malaria into a vaccine-preventable disease. It’s vital for the 5–10 percent of the population who could develop severe malaria, especially non-immune children under five,” Opigo stated.
The Malaria Consortium, a key partner in the SEND-Malaria Vaccine Initiative, is working alongside Uganda’s Ministry of Health, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and the Uganda Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to ensure a successful rollout. The project aims to strengthen health systems, build vaccine confidence, and ensure equitable access, particularly in hard-to-reach areas like Karamoja.
Also, Senior Country Technical Coordinator at Malaria Consortium Uganda, Anthony Nuwa, expressed the organisation’s commitment to the mission.
“We are proud to support the Ministry of Health in this landmark initiative. Our focus is on strengthening health systems, engaging communities, and ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are protected.”
This historic rollout signals a new era in Uganda’s fight against malaria, offering renewed hope for millions of children and their families.
