Uganda has taken a major step forward in the fight against malaria with the launch of its largest-ever malaria vaccination campaign. The Ministry of Health, working with global partners, kicked off the program in Apac District on Wednesday, marking a turning point in the country’s battle against the deadly disease. The campaign aims to protect 1.1 million children under the age of two across 105 districts where malaria transmission is high or moderate.

The newly introduced R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine will be given in four doses—when a child is 6, 7, 8, and 18 months old. With this rollout, Uganda becomes the 19th African country to include the malaria vaccine in its routine immunization program. The move is expected to save thousands of young lives, as malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among children in Uganda.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Uganda’s Minister of Health, emphasized the vaccine’s potential to drastically reduce severe malaria cases. “This vaccine is expected to prevent up to 800 cases of severe malaria every day,” she said. Beyond saving lives, the vaccine will also ease the financial strain on families. “It will save families approximately UGX 15,000 per case, reducing the cost of treating severe malaria,” Dr. Aceng added.

Apac District, where the campaign was launched, has one of the highest malaria transmission rates in the world. Residents face more than 1,500 mosquito bites each year, making the disease a constant threat. The introduction of the vaccine is seen as a critical step in lowering the region’s heavy malaria burden, which has long affected the health and well-being of its people.

Global health organizations have strongly backed Uganda’s vaccination effort. UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) have praised the initiative, calling it a game-changer in malaria prevention. Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, stressed the need to combine the vaccine with other malaria control measures, such as mosquito nets and indoor spraying. He also urged parents to ensure their children complete all four doses for maximum protection.

Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative to Uganda, described the vaccine rollout as a historic moment. “This is a turning point in Uganda’s fight against malaria,” he said. “The vaccine will save lives and help secure a healthier future for the country’s children.”

The malaria vaccine program is part of a worldwide effort to reduce deaths from the disease. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is playing a key role in coordinating the initiative, ensuring that doses are available and distributed efficiently. The Ministry of Health has already delivered more than 2.2 million vaccine doses to the 105 targeted districts. In addition, health officials have conducted extensive community awareness campaigns to educate parents about the importance of vaccination.

Uganda now joins other African nations, including Ghana, Malawi, and Kenya, in introducing the malaria vaccine to protect children. These countries have already seen positive results, with fewer severe malaria cases and hospitalizations among vaccinated children. Health experts hope Uganda will experience similar success, bringing the country closer to its goal of reducing malaria-related deaths.

Malaria has long been a major public health challenge in Uganda, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. Children under five are the most vulnerable, often suffering severe complications or even death if the disease is not treated quickly. The new vaccine offers hope that fewer families will endure the pain of losing a child to malaria.

The launch of the vaccination campaign has been met with optimism by health workers and community leaders. Many see it as a crucial addition to existing malaria prevention methods, such as insecticide-treated nets and prompt treatment with antimalarial drugs. By combining these strategies, Uganda aims to make significant progress in controlling the disease.

Parents in Apac and other high-risk districts have welcomed the vaccine, with many turning out to have their children immunized during the launch. Health workers are working hard to ensure that even remote communities are reached, using mobile vaccination teams where necessary. The government has assured the public that the vaccine is safe and effective, having undergone rigorous testing before approval.

As Uganda rolls out this ambitious vaccination program, the focus now shifts to ensuring high uptake and completion of all four doses. Health officials will continue to monitor the vaccine’s impact, tracking reductions in malaria cases and hospital admissions. Success in this campaign could pave the way for even broader malaria control efforts in the future.

The fight against malaria is far from over, but with the introduction of this vaccine, Uganda has taken a giant leap forward. Protecting 1.1 million children from one of the country’s deadliest diseases is a milestone worth celebrating. If the campaign achieves its goals, it could mean fewer hospital visits, fewer grieving families, and a brighter, healthier future for Uganda’s youngest generation.

With strong government commitment, international support, and community participation, Uganda’s malaria vaccination drive has the potential to transform public health in the country. The eyes of the nation—and the world—are now on this historic effort to turn the tide against malaria once and for all.