Uganda Launches Largest Malaria Vaccine Introduction to Date

**Uganda Launches Malaria Vaccination Campaign in Apac District**

Today, Uganda's Ministry of Health launched a malaria vaccination campaign in Apac District. This initiative is supported by Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, PATH, and CHAI. Uganda becomes the 19th African country to introduce the malaria vaccine into routine immunization. This rollout targets 1.1 million children under two years old across 105 districts.

The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine requires four doses at specific ages: 6, 7, 8, and 18 months. The campaign aims to reach children in high- and moderate-transmission areas first.

Apac District has the highest number of mosquito bites globally. Residents experience over 1,500 bites per person each year. Malaria is a leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda. It accounts for up to 40% of outpatient visits and 25% of hospital admissions.

In 2023, Uganda ranked among the top five African countries with high malaria rates. Other countries include Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.

Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero stated that this vaccine marks a significant milestone against malaria. She expects it will prevent at least 800 severe cases daily among children. The vaccine could save families about UGX 15,000 per case on treatment costs.

Dr. Aceng urged parents to ensure their children receive all four doses on schedule at health facilities.

Gavi coordinates the global malaria vaccination program and provides financial support for vaccines' procurement and distribution. So far, Gavi has helped integrate the malaria vaccine into routine immunization in 19 African countries.

Gavi's funding model relies on co-financing from countries as their income increases over time. Future support for this program depends on securing funds for its next five-year period starting in 2026.

Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, emphasized that sustained financial support is crucial for these efforts to continue successfully.

UNICEF supports Uganda's vaccination campaign by procuring vaccines and raising community awareness about them. Dr. Robin Nandy from UNICEF highlighted the importance of combining this vaccine with existing preventive measures against malaria.

To prepare for this rollout, Uganda's Ministry of Health distributed over two million doses across targeted districts. They also conducted community mobilization campaigns involving local leaders and door-to-door outreach efforts.

WHO previously coordinated pilot evaluations of other malaria vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi. These pilots showed a significant reduction in child mortality due to malaria after introducing the vaccine.

Dr. Kasonde Mwinga from WHO called today a historic turning point in Uganda’s fight against malaria by integrating this vaccine into routine immunization services.

**Why Focus on Children?**

Children under five are most at risk from malaria-related deaths globally; they account for over 75% of such fatalities worldwide.
In Africa alone during 2023, there were approximately 432,000 child deaths due to malaria.
Both RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines are safe and effective according to WHO recommendations.
Clinical trials showed both vaccines reduced cases by more than half during the first year after vaccination.
These vaccines target P.falciparum—the deadliest type of malaria parasite prevalent in Africa.

**Future Rollouts**

Among the other countries rolling out the vaccine with Gavi support are Cameroon and Burkina Faso.
Burundi recently rolled out its program alongside Uganda.
Several more countries plan to introduce the vaccine by next year.
This effort aims to reduce global malaria burden significantly as part of ongoing public health initiatives across Africa.