Health minister flags off malaria vaccines to 105 districts

_________________

The Ministry of Health has launched its largest malaria vaccine distribution campaign, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against one of its deadliest diseases.

The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, officially flagged off the delivery of 2.278 million doses of the malaria vaccine to 105 districts with high and moderate malaria transmission, which is part of an initial batch of 3.5 million doses, with plans to eventually extend coverage to the entire country.

“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Uganda is a historic step forward in our fight against this deadly disease,” Dr Aceng said during the flag-off ceremony. “With the support of Gavi, UNICEF, and other partners, we are ensuring that every eligible child has access to this life-saving intervention.”

The Ministry of Health has launched its largest malaria vaccine distribution campaign, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against one of its deadliest diseases. (Courtesy photo)

The malaria vaccine, R21, will be integrated into Uganda’s routine immunization schedule starting in April 2025. It will be administered in four doses—at six, seven, eight, and eighteen months—to ensure optimal protection for children under two, who are the most vulnerable to severe malaria.

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Uganda, ranking third globally in malaria cases and eighth in malaria-related deaths. Every day, malaria claims 16 lives in Uganda, 10 of whom are children under five years old, according to the Ministry of Health.

The vaccine is expected to significantly reduce severe malaria cases and deaths among young children, complementing existing malaria control measures such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention.

Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, emphasized the importance of ensuring the vaccine reaches all eligible children.

“Today, we turn a page in Uganda’s health story. With the introduction of the malaria vaccine, we are delivering hope for children in Uganda. This introduction means that the national immunization schedule now includes 14 vaccines, one of the highest on the continent. We must ensure that these vaccines are delivered safely and efficiently.” Nandy said.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which is coordinating the global malaria vaccination program, has provided financial and logistical support for the rollout. Billie Nieuwenhuys, Senior Country Manager for Uganda at Gavi, praised Uganda’s commitment to tackling malaria.

“The efforts that have been made to prepare for what will be the world’s largest malaria vaccine introduction to date are a testament to the Government of Uganda and partners’ unwavering commitment to protect the most vulnerable children,” Nieuwenhuys said.

Uganda is the 19th country to introduce the malaria vaccine and the latest in a growing list of nations benefiting from Gavi’s support as Nigeria. Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi pioneered the vaccine rollout in 2021 as part of the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP), demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in reducing severe malaria cases.

This year, Uganda joins countries such as Burundi, Mali, Ethiopia, and Guinea in introducing the vaccine, with more expected to follow.

Uganda’s Strategy for a Malaria-Free Future

The introduction of the malaria vaccine is a critical component of Uganda’s broader malaria elimination strategy, which combines multiple interventions. Dr Aceng reiterated that the vaccine is not a standalone solution but an additional tool in the fight against malaria.

“The malaria vaccine does not replace other interventions but adds another powerful tool to protect our children,” she noted. “I urge all parents and caregivers to bring their children to health facilities to receive the vaccine as part of routine immunization services.” Dr. Aceng said.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng tother with the WHO Uganda country representative Dr. Kasonde G. Mulenga Mwinga and Billie Nieuwenhuys, Senior Country Manager for Uganda at Gavi receiving the vaccines. (Courtesy photo)

With strong support from international organizations and a dedicated government push, Uganda’s malaria vaccine rollout is expected to save thousands of lives annually and reduce the strain on the country’s health system.

Dr Sabrina Kitaka, a senior lecturer at Makerere University and paediatric infectious diseases and adolescent health care at Mulago referral hospital, says every year, thousands of children suffer from acute malaria, which remains the top cause of death among children under the age of five. But there is hope on the horizon with the introduction of the malaria vaccine to Uganda’s medical arsenal.

“Every day more than 100 children are at risk of developing and dying from malaria in Uganda, unfortunately. This vaccine represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against malaria. It may not confer complete protection, but it does significantly reduce severe malaria cases and helps prevent hospitalizations and deaths.” Kitaka said.

The vaccination schedule is specifically designed for children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. This schedule outlines a series of four doses, carefully timed to provide optimal protection.

The first dose is administered at 6 months, followed by the second dose at 7 months. The third dose is given at 8 months, completing the initial series. Finally, a booster dose is administered at 18 months to provide ongoing protection.

“With the IPV and malaria vaccines now part of Uganda’s immunization efforts, the country is taking a huge step forward in public health. These vaccines will save millions of lives, reduce the disease burden, and bring us closer to a healthier, more resilient Uganda.” Kitaka added.

She calls upon parents, healthcare workers, and community leaders to ensure that every eligible child receives all four doses of the vaccine. The hope is that this initiative will significantly reduce the burden of malaria, paving the way for a healthier future for Uganda’s children.