Uganda’s Ministry of Health has announced plans to integrate a malaria vaccine into the country’s routine immunization program, aiming to combat the deadly disease and reduce child mortality rates. The vaccine is expected to be rolled out in April 2025, targeting children aged six months to five years.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry emphasized the urgent need for this initiative, noting that three out of every ten sick individuals in Uganda are diagnosed with malaria. Alarmingly, among hospitalized children under five, six out of ten are affected by the disease, significantly increasing their risk of death. Furthermore, 20 out of every 100 pregnant women are infected with malaria, which poses serious risks to both maternal and fetal health.
The ministry stated, “The introduction of the malaria vaccine will enhance the government’s efforts to further decrease the incidence and severity of malaria and contribute to overall childhood survival and a reduction in infant and child mortality.”
According to ministry data, malaria claims between 70,000 and 100,000 lives annually in Uganda, predominantly affecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. The disease is responsible for 30 to 40 percent of outpatient visits, 15 to 20 percent of hospital admissions, and 10 percent of inpatient deaths.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Uganda’s fight against malaria, a disease that has long been a major public health challenge in the region.
