Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng the Minister of health has called upon parents and caregivers nationwide to embrace the malaria vaccine, ensuring all eligible children receive the full course of doses for optimal protection.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala on Friday, Dr. Aceng emphasized the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of the vaccine, which is available free of charge in all government health centers.
“Ensure children receive their vaccinations on time to protect them from preventable diseases. These vaccines are safe, effective, and freely available in our health facilities,” she stressed.
Uganda remains one of the countries hardest hit by malaria, ranking third globally in malaria cases and seventh in malaria-related deaths, according to the World Malaria Report 2023.
In 2024 alone, the country recorded over 10.9 million malaria cases and 3,582 deaths—averaging 16 daily fatalities, with 10 being children under five.
Malaria currently accounts for 30-40% of outpatient visits, 20% of hospital admissions, and 10% of hospital deaths. With 45.9 million people at risk, the disease continues to strain Uganda’s health system and economy.
Dr. Aceng stated that the vaccine rollout marks a critical step in Uganda’s malaria prevention strategy, aligning with efforts to reduce the disease burden.
Developed through decades of research and global partnerships, the malaria vaccine has already been administered to 2 million children across six million doses, demonstrating a strong safety record. Pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi saw a 13% drop in child mortality and a significant reduction in severe malaria hospitalizations.
Uganda is now preparing for its largest-ever malaria vaccination campaign, integrating the R21 vaccine into routine immunization starting April 2025 to protect children under five.
The vaccine will be given in four doses (at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months) to ensure full protection, with catch-up doses available for those who miss initial appointments. Priority will be given to 107 high- and moderate-risk districts, covering 1.1 million children under two. Expansion to other districts will follow as more doses become available.
The official launch, presided over by the President, is scheduled for April 2 at Booma Grounds in Apac District.
Earlier this month, Uganda received 2.278 million doses of the vaccine (out of 3.5 million allocated) and began distribution to the targeted districts.
