the Ministry of Health has rolled out the Malaria Vaccine (R21/Matrix-M) into its routine immunization schedule for children aged 6 to 18 months.
Uganda now becomes the 19th African country to introduce the malaria vaccine as part of its routine immunization programs.
The new malaria vaccine will be administered in four doses at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months and it will be administered free of charge in 107 high-risk districts across the country.
The grand launch event took place at Booma Grounds in Apac District and was presided over by the Prime Minister, Robinnah Nabbanja.
She was joined by the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, local Members of Parliament, Apac District leadership, health partners, and officials from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng emphasized the vaccine’s potential to prevent up to 800 cases of severe malaria daily.
“This vaccine is expected to save families helping to alleviate the financial burden associated with severe malaria treatment,” she stated.
She also assured the public that the vaccine is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ugandan government scientists.
“Malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Uganda. “Data from public and private health facilities indicate that malaria is responsible for 30-50 percent of outpatient clinic attendances, 15-20 percent of admissions, and up to 20 percent of in-patient deaths,” Dr. Aceng noted.
Dr. Aceng further highlighted the economic burden malaria places on Uganda. “Malaria has a significant negative impact on the economy of Uganda due to loss of workforce because of sickness, decreased productivity, decreased school attendance and poor overall school performance, and loss of foreign direct investment.”
Apac District, the site of today’s launch, has one of the highest malaria transmission rates globally, with residents experiencing more than 1,500 mosquito bites annually.
The Ministry of Health has already distributed over 2.2 million doses across the 107 districts and conducted extensive community mobilization campaigns to raise awareness about the vaccine.
Globally, Uganda is the third highest contributor of malaria cases and the seventh highest contributor of malaria deaths, according to the World Malaria Report 2019.
With this initiative, the government aims to protect over 1.1 million children under two years old.
