Religious leaders rally behind malaria vaccination campaign
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba, emphasised the critical role of religious leaders in mobilising communities for vaccination.
Dorothy Kisitu, a VHT taking measurements of a baby in the upper arm in Kireka C. (Photos by Violet Nabatanzi)
Violet Nabatanzi
Journalist @New Vision
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As Uganda prepares to roll out the malaria vaccine next week, religious leaders under the Interfaith Alliance for Health have pledged to support the vaccination campaign.
They committed to incorporating messages about malaria vaccination into their sermons, prayers, and community gatherings to ensure no child is left unprotected.
Speaking during an engagement meeting with religious leaders on malaria vaccine introduction and routine immunisation at Golden Tulip Hotel on March 25, 2025, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba, emphasised the critical role of religious leaders in mobilising communities for vaccination.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rev. Moses Banja, Kaziimba noted that religious leaders are not just preachers of faith but also trusted community guides. He highlighted that their congregations look to them for direction, making their words highly influential.
"We are being called to use that influence to empower people with knowledge, dispel myths and misconceptions, and encourage every parent and caregiver to ensure that children receive these lifesaving vaccines," he said.
The government's introduction of the malaria vaccine into the routine immunisation programme marks a major milestone in Uganda’s fight against malaria, aligning with the country’s goal of achieving malaria-free status by 2030.
Apostle Joseph Serwadda reaffirmed the commitment of religious leaders to working alongside the Ministry of Health and healthcare providers to integrate immunisation advocacy into religious structures and events.
The deputy mufti, Sheikh Ali Waiswa, stressed the powerful role religious leaders play in shaping attitudes, guiding behaviour, and inspiring positive change.
"We are called upon to use this influence to promote a health-conscious society where immunisation is not just seen as a medical necessity but as a moral responsibility—an act of protection and love for our children and society," he said.
Govt calls for collaborative efforts
Health ministry permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine underscored the importance of collaboration in the fight against malaria.
Rev. Moses Banja the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese and other Religious leaders pose for picture with the minister of state for primary healthcare Margaret Muhanga after the closing of an engagement meeting with religious leaders on malaria vaccine introduction and routine immunization at Golden Tulip Hotel. 
"The battle to reduce malaria cannot be fought by the Ministry of Health alone. Religious leaders play a crucial role because they are trusted by their communities. They have direct interactions with the people, which is why we have engaged them today to ensure they share the message about the importance of vaccination," Atwine said.
She added that people trust religious leaders because they provide spiritual guidance, making their voices powerful in mobilising communities.
Atwine reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with village health teams (VHTs) and Community Health Workers (CHEWs) to extend immunisation services to hard-to-reach areas.
"VHTs and CHEWs will continue conducting community mobilisation, education, and outreach to dispel myths and encourage parents to have their children vaccinated," she said.
Dr Richard Kabanda, commissioner for health promotion in the health ministry, explained that VHTs and CHEWs would be responsible for identifying eligible children, educating parents about the malaria vaccine and routine immunisation schedules, and mobilising families to visit health facilities for vaccination.
Voices from the VHTs
For nearly a decade, Noar Seruwagi, a village health team member in Kireka C, has been at the forefront of providing essential healthcare services to children in her community. Since joining the VHT programme in 2015, she has played a vital role in treating common childhood illnesses, including malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea, among children aged four months to four years and nine months. Beyond this age, she refers them to health facilities for further care.
Seruwagi explained that malaria detection is done through blood tests, a skill she acquired through specialised training.
"We were trained on how to test for malaria, and I use that knowledge to diagnose and treat children in need," she said.
Her daily routine follows a structured work plan that ensures efficiency. "I usually treat children in the morning and evening. I have a schedule that guides me on when and where to go," she said. During her home visits, she first inquires if there are any unwell children.
"If I find a sick child, I test them. If it’s malaria, I provide treatment. For diarrhoea, I administer the first treatment and then refer them to a health facility for further care," she explained.
Seruwagi credits her expertise to training provided by Living Goods, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works to strengthen community health systems.
"Living Goods trained me and other VHTs, equipping us with the skills we need to diagnose and treat children effectively," she recalled.