By Ambrose Gahene
HEALTH
Apac District in Northern Uganda is set to host a landmark event marking the launch of malaria vaccination for children under the age of two. The event, scheduled for 2nd April 2025 at Boma Grounds, will be officiated by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni as Guest of Honor.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Government through the Ministry of Health and supported by development partners, represents a significant step in Uganda’s fight against malaria. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, made the announcement during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday afternoon.
“Uganda will undertake the largest malaria vaccine rollout in terms of districts and target population. A total of 107 high and moderate burden districts will roll out the vaccine, targeting over 1.1 million children under the age of two years,” Dr. Aceng stated.
She explained that the malaria vaccine will become part of the routine immunization schedule, marking the most extensive malaria vaccine introduction to date in terms of reach and population covered. The vaccine will be administered in four doses—at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months—to provide optimal protection during the most vulnerable stages of early childhood.
Dr. Aceng emphasized the significance of the vaccine in Uganda’s broader malaria prevention strategy. “Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda. The introduction of the vaccine is expected to significantly reduce severe illness and deaths among children under five years,” she said.
Addressing concerns about safety, Dr. Aceng assured the public that the vaccine’s safety and efficacy had been rigorously tested in pilot programs conducted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi before its introduction in Uganda.
“This vaccination campaign, undertaken in partnership with Gavi, UNICEF, and other partners, ensures that every eligible child has access to this life-saving intervention,” the Minister concluded. She also highlighted additional benefits of childhood immunization, such as improved health outcomes, reduced financial strain on parents, and enhanced school enrollment and retention rates.
The launch event in Apac District signals a monumental step forward in safeguarding the health of Uganda’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
