Uganda flags off malaria vaccine rollout to 105 districts

UGANDA – Uganda’s Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, has launched the distribution of 2.278 million doses of the malaria vaccine to 105 districts with high and moderate malaria transmission.

This marks a major milestone in the country’s fight against the disease. The vaccination will eventually be expanded nationwide.

The initiative is supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, with co-financing from the Government of Uganda. UNICEF has handled procurement and air transport to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality vaccines.

The vaccine will be integrated into Uganda’s routine immunization schedule starting in April 2025, targeting children under two years.

“This is a historic step forward in our fight against malaria. With the support of Gavi, UNICEF, and other partners, we are ensuring every eligible child gets access to this life-saving intervention,” Dr. Aceng said during the launch event.

The malaria vaccine will be administered in four doses at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months to provide optimal protection during early childhood.

Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda, and the vaccine is expected to significantly reduce severe cases and fatalities.

UNICEF emphasized the importance of ensuring all children receive the full range of vaccines. “Today, we turn a page in Uganda’s health story. The national immunization schedule now includes 14 childhood vaccines, among the highest on the continent,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.

Gavi, responsible for coordinating the global malaria vaccination program, has helped 17 African countries introduce the vaccine as part of their routine immunization programs.

“This will be the world’s largest malaria vaccine rollout to date. Uganda’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable children is commendable,” said Billie Nieuwenhuys, Senior Country Manager for Uganda at Gavi.

The World Health Organization (WHO) played a key role in the vaccine’s pilot phase, leading to its recommendation and approval. WHO continues to provide technical guidance to ensure a smooth rollout.

The Ministry of Health praised Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners like PATH and CHAI for their contributions.

The malaria vaccine rollout aligns with Uganda’s broader malaria prevention strategy, which includes insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, seasonal malaria prevention, and effective treatment.

Parents and caregivers are urged to take their children to health facilities to receive the vaccine as part of routine immunization services.

Of the 17 countries that have introduced the malaria vaccine with Gavi’s support, 14 did so in 2024, including Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Benin, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, South Sudan, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Niger, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria.

Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi introduced the vaccine in 2021 and have since expanded its routine use.

Uganda’s rollout in April 2025 will be followed by additional introductions in 6–8 countries, including Burundi, Mali, Ethiopia, and Guinea.