Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and its global partners, has officially launched a large-scale malaria vaccination campaign in Apac District, northern Uganda.
This initiative makes Uganda the 19th African country to introduce a malaria vaccine into its routine immunisation programme and represents the most extensive malaria vaccine roll-out to date in terms of both geographical coverage and population reach.
The campaign will deploy the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which is administered in four doses at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months. The initial phase targets 1.1 million children under the age of two in 105 high- and moderate-transmission districts, with plans for nationwide expansion in the coming years.
Apac District, where the campaign was launched, holds the record for the highest mosquito bite rate globally, with residents experiencing an average of over 1,500 bites per person annually. Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda, accounting for 33 per cent of all outpatient visits, 22 per cent of hospital admissions and 6 per cent of deaths, according to 2023 data from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In the same year, Uganda ranked among the top five African nations with the highest malaria burden, alongside Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Mozambique.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ocero described the introduction of the malaria vaccine as a landmark achievement in Uganda’s fight against the deadly disease.
“The launch of this vaccine marks a significant milestone in our efforts to combat malaria. We anticipate that it will prevent at least 800 cases of severe malaria among children every day. Additionally, the vaccine will ease the financial strain on families, saving them approximately UGX 15,000 per case that would have been spent on treatment. I strongly urge all parents and caregivers to ensure that children aged 6 to 18 months receive the malaria vaccine at their nearest health facility. To achieve optimal protection, it is essential that children complete all four doses as scheduled,” Ocero stated.
The minister emphasised that while the vaccine represents a crucial advancement, it should be used in combination with other preventive measures, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying and prompt malaria diagnosis and treatment, to maximise its impact.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, plays a key role in coordinating the global malaria vaccination programme. The organisation provides critical financial support for procuring, transporting and distributing vaccine doses to target countries. To date, Gavi has assisted 19 African nations in integrating the malaria vaccine into their immunisation programmes.
Gavi follows a co-financing model, which requires countries to contribute to the cost of their vaccines, with contributions increasing as national incomes rise until full self-financing is achieved. However, future support for the global malaria vaccination effort hinges on Gavi securing adequate funding for its next five-year strategic period, beginning in 2026. Any shortfall in financial resources could result in cutbacks to the program, potentially leading to preventable child deaths and heightened global health security risks.
CEO of Gavi, Dr. Sania Nishtar underscored the significance of sustained investment in malaria vaccination efforts.
“With one of the highest malaria incidence rates in the world, Uganda has long faced an uphill battle against this devastating disease, which has brought suffering to families and communities for decades. The malaria vaccine, proven to be safe and effective, is a life-saving tool that significantly reduces hospitalisations and fatalities. However, without continued financial support, these hard-won gains could be reversed, leaving millions of children at risk. We must ensure sustained funding to protect more children and extend the benefits of this vaccine to additional countries,” Dr. Nishtar stressed.
As a key partner in the malaria vaccination initiative, UNICEF is responsible for vaccine procurement, international transportation and mobilising communities to ensure high vaccine uptake.
“UNICEF is proud to be part of this historic initiative in Uganda, which marks a major step forward in our collective mission to protect children from malaria. While this vaccine is a game-changer, it must be used alongside existing malaria prevention strategies to create a robust shield against the disease. We call on all parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive all four doses as part of Uganda’s routine immunization services,” said UNICEF Representative to Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy.
Ahead of the campaign launch, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, with support from its partners, distributed 2.278 million malaria vaccine doses across the 105 high- and moderate-risk districts. Intensive community mobilisation and awareness campaigns were also conducted, involving Members of Parliament, cultural and religious leaders, and door-to-door sensitisation efforts.
Other preparatory measures included developing vaccine implementation strategies tailored to different communities, training health workers to administer the vaccine efficiently and strengthening the cold chain infrastructure to maintain vaccine quality during storage and transportation.
WHO has played a crucial role in malaria vaccine research, evaluation and implementation. The organisation coordinated the pilot introduction of the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, through a large-scale program in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi. Co-funded by Gavi and other partners, the pilot demonstrated that the vaccine contributed to a 13 per cent reduction in all-cause mortality among children.
Following the successful pilot, WHO officially recommended and prequalified two malaria vaccines – RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M – as safe and effective tools for malaria prevention. WHO continues to support African nations by providing technical guidance, sharing best practices and offering assistance in vaccine implementation.
WHO Representative to Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga hailed the country’s decision to incorporate the malaria vaccine into its routine immunisation schedule.
“Today is a landmark moment in Uganda’s battle against malaria. By integrating this vaccine into routine immunisation, Uganda is making a bold commitment to protecting its children and securing a healthier future for the nation. This vaccine is a transformative tool, and together, we must ensure that every eligible child receives it,” Mwinga said.
Uganda’s historic malaria vaccine roll-out represents a significant step toward reducing the disease’s impact on children and communities. By leveraging a multi-pronged approach – including vaccination, mosquito control measures, and public awareness – Uganda aims to curb malaria-related illnesses and deaths. However, sustaining these efforts requires continued financial and technical support from global partners.
With millions of children at risk, the success of Uganda’s campaign could serve as a model for other malaria-endemic countries, reinforcing the importance of collaborative action in the fight against one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.
