In a significant step towards the elimination of Malaria in Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has officially launched the distribution of the malaria vaccine to various districts nationwide.
“We are flagging off 2.278 million doses of the malaria vaccine (out of a total of 3.5 million doses) for distribution to 105 districts, prioritizing those with the highest and moderate malaria burden, the Health Mister Jane Ruth Aceng said while flagging off the vaccines at the National Medical Stores in Entebbe.
“As more doses of the vaccines become available, we shall cover the entire country,” Aceng said.
Aceng emphasized that the vaccine complements a range of existing strategies, such as the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, Indoor Residual Spraying, prompt access to effective antimalarial treatments, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention, and larvicides.
Malaria continues to be a leading cause of illness and mortality in Uganda, especially among children under five and pregnant women.
She noted that the launch of the R21 malaria vaccine represents a significant advancement in our battle against malaria.
This vaccine, which has been scientifically validated to decrease severe cases of malaria and fatalities in young children, is poised to transform our prevention initiatives.
“The malaria vaccine does not replace these interventions but adds another powerful tool to protect our children from severe malaria and death,” she noted.
The vaccine will be administered in four doses to children starting at six months, followed by doses at seven, eight, and eighteen months.
Background
Uganda is the 3rd highest in the world with the most Malaria cases and 8th with the most Malaria deaths.
Every day, Uganda loses 16 people to Malaria and of these 10 are children under five years old. This is unacceptable, and today, we reaffirm our commitment to reversing this trend.
Uganda is proud to be the 19th country in the world to introduce the malaria vaccine and is undertaking the largest rollout globally.
She noted that Uganda joins countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi, where over 2 million children have already received the vaccine, are safe and protected against Malaria.
Acheng appreciated Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for securing the vaccines with co-financing from Uganda.
We acknowledge the support from UNICEF, the lead agency responsible for procuring and shipping these vaccines to Uganda.
The World Health Organization (WHO) supported Uganda to successful rollout.
“We also recognize the invaluable support from and other partners who have worked tirelessly to make this initiative a reality. Their commitment to Uganda’s immunization and malaria control efforts has been instrumental in making this moment possible,” she said.
She thanked the National Medical Stores for ensuring the safe handling, storage, and implore you to ensure that the vaccines are distributed in a timely manner to the districts. I also urge our health workers to sensitize communities and ensure that children under 5 receive the vaccine as part of their routine immunization.
“To the parents and caregivers, I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. The malaria vaccine is safe, effective, and free.
By ensuring that our children receive all four doses, we can significantly reduce malaria-related deaths and protect their future.
As we launch this life-saving intervention, let us commit to working together to ensure a malaria-free Uganda. The Ministry of Health remains dedicated to strengthening immunization, disease prevention, and overall public health in our country.
