Uganda rolls out biggest malaria vaccine campaign
Uganda has started its largest-ever malaria vaccination campaign to protect more than one million children under two years old.
The vaccine is being introduced in 105 districts where malaria is most common.
The country is the 19th in Africa to add the malaria vaccine to its routine immunisation program.
The vaccine, called R21/Matrix-M, is given in four doses at six, seven, eight, and 18 months. Health officials say it will help prevent severe malaria cases and save many lives.
Malaria is the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda.
It accounts for 40 percent of outpatient visits, 25 percent of hospital admissions, and 14 percent of hospital deaths.
In 2023, Uganda was among the five African countries with the highest malaria cases, alongside Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, urged parents to get their children vaccinated.
"The vaccine is a big step in our fight against malaria. It could prevent at least 800 severe cases every day and save families from spending money on treatment," she said.
Health workers have been trained, and millions of vaccine doses have been sent to health centres across the country.
Officials are also working with community leaders and religious groups to encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination.
The campaign is supported by Gavi, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and other partners.
