Health
Soroti health officials warn over low uptake of final malaria vaccine dose
Soroti city health officer Dr Alfred Anyonga said the first three doses of the malaria vaccine have registered encouraging uptake across the region, reflecting growing acceptance of the vaccine among parents and caregivers.
Malaria remains a major public health threat in Uganda, killing 16 people daily, and across sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting children and pregnant women. (Courtesy photo)
By: Annet Anaro , Journalist @New Vision
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Health authorities in Soroti city and Soroti district have raised concern over the low uptake of the fourth and final dose of the malaria vaccine, warning that many children are missing out on the booster required for full protection against the disease.
The fourth dose is administered when a child reaches 18 months of age. However, health officials say a significant number of caregivers fail to return to health facilities after completing the earlier doses in the immunisation schedule.
Soroti city health officer Dr Alfred Anyonga said the first three doses of the malaria vaccine have registered encouraging uptake across the region, reflecting growing acceptance of the vaccine among parents and caregivers.
However, he noted that the drop-off at the final stage remains a major public health concern, as children who miss the booster are left with reduced protection against malaria.
Dr Anyonga urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children complete the full vaccination schedule, stressing that every dose plays a critical role in building immunity.
However, he noted that the drop-off at the final stage remains a major public health concern, as children who miss the booster are left with reduced protection against malaria.
Dr Anyonga urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children complete the full vaccination schedule, stressing that every dose plays a critical role in building immunity.
He appealed for strict adherence to vaccination appointments, saying routine immunisation remains one of the most effective tools in preventing severe malaria cases among children.
The mass rollout of the malaria vaccine began in April last year in Apac district, northern Uganda—an area notorious for having the highest number of mosquito bites per person globally, with over 1,500 bites annually.
The malaria vaccine being used in Uganda is administered in four doses—at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months of age. The initial phase of the rollout targets 1.5 million children under two years of age in 105 high- and moderate-transmission districts, with plans to expand nationwide.
Malaria remains a major public health threat in Uganda, killing 16 people daily, and across sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting children and pregnant women.
The mass rollout of the malaria vaccine began in April last year in Apac district, northern Uganda—an area notorious for having the highest number of mosquito bites per person globally, with over 1,500 bites annually.
The malaria vaccine being used in Uganda is administered in four doses—at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months of age. The initial phase of the rollout targets 1.5 million children under two years of age in 105 high- and moderate-transmission districts, with plans to expand nationwide.
Malaria remains a major public health threat in Uganda, killing 16 people daily, and across sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting children and pregnant women.