'Game changer': Uganda launches first malaria vaccine

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Uganda on Wednesday (April 2) launched the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization programme.

The vaccine is for children aged between six months and five years.

It means over one million children in high-risk and moderate-risk districts will be protected from malaria.

The landmark launch that happened at the Boma Grounds in the northern district of Apac was officiated by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Museveni.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja testing a microscope as she arrived to officiate the launch of the nationwide malaria vaccination at Apac Boma grounds, Apac district on Wednesday. (PHOTO BY JOSEPH EKOL)

In his speech read by Nabbanja, Museveni said this ambitious effort reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of where they are born, has access to life-saving interventions.

A health worker administering the vaccine to a child carried by Health Minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, at the launch of the Malaria Vaccination exercise at Apac Boma Ground in Apac district on Wednesday. (PHOTO BY JOSEPH EKOL)

Malaria is one of Uganda's biggest health challenges.

The disease accounts for nearly 30 per cent of outpatient visits and 20 per cent of hospital deaths, with children under five bearing the greatest burden.

Museveni said the vaccines have been proven to reduce severe malaria cases and hospitalizations, making them a game changer in Uganda.

He rallied local leaders to mobilize, educate and encourage vaccination, adding that the goal is a Uganda where no child dies from preventable diseases.

Health minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, said that through a multi-year programme in neighbouring Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi, which protected millions of children, the pilot generated evidence that the introduction of the malaria vaccine resulted in a 13 per cent reduction in all-cause mortality among children.

Experts described the introduction of the malaria vaccine as a beacon of hope for thousands of children affected by the disease.

Dr James Odongo, the Apac district health officer, revealed an increasing trend of malaria cases among pregnant mothers in the district. 

In 2020, 3,801 pregnant mothers were diagnosed with malaria, and by 2024, the number had risen to 4,434.

Odongo also said that many expectant mothers still seek antenatal care from traditional birth attendants.

"We have instituted strategies to reduce this practice. We have also observed a decrease in the test positivity rate from 71.4 per cent to 46.6 per cent," he said.