Uganda Launches Historic Malaria Vaccine Rollout, Targeting 105 Districts

Uganda has taken a huge step in the fight against malaria by officially flagging off the distribution of 2.278 million doses of the R21 malaria vaccine to 105 districts with high and moderate transmission rates.

This marks the country’s largest-ever malaria vaccine rollout and one of the most extensive globally.

During the flag-off event, Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero highlighted the urgency of combating malaria, which remains one of the leading causes of illness and death, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.

“Every day, Uganda loses 16 people to malaria, with 10 being children under five. This is unacceptable,” she said.

The vaccine, co-financed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Government of Uganda, will be integrated into Uganda’s routine immunization program starting in April 2025. It will be administered in four doses at six, seven, eight, and eighteen months, providing young children with critical protection during their most vulnerable years.

UNICEF Representative to Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy, emphasized the importance of the rollout, stating, “With the introduction of the malaria vaccine, we are delivering hope for children in Uganda. The national immunization schedule now includes 14 vaccines, among the highest on the continent”.

To support this initiative, Uganda has also unveiled a new central vaccine store walk-in cold room complex at the National Medical Stores (NMS) in Kajjansi. With a capacity of 2,500 cubic meters and an investment of over $1.5 million, this state-of-the-art facility will ensure proper storage and distribution of vaccines.

The Ministry of Health promised that the malaria vaccine will complement, not replace, existing malaria prevention strategies such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention.

As Uganda joins other African nations like Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi in introducing malaria vaccines, global health partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have commended the country for its commitment to reducing malaria-related deaths.

Parents and caregivers have been urged to take advantage of this opportunity by ensuring that eligible children receive all four doses for maximum protection. The government remains committed to ensuring that the vaccine reaches every eligible child, contributing to a malaria-free Uganda.