Minister Bwino, political rival at crossroads over NRM voters register
March 7, 2025
Asha Mafabi Nabulo Vows to Transform Sironko, Prioritize Roads, Health and Education Sectors
March 8, 2025
The Ministry of Health has announced that effective April this year, it would roll out a Malaria vaccination exercise in 105 districts across the country. The Minister for Health Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng revealed that the vaccination exercise will be launched in Apac district which has the highest number of malaria cases in the country . She emphasized that the vaccination exercise doesn’t replace the existing malaria interventions such as sleeping under a treated mosquito net , slashing bushes around homes among others.
She made these comments on March 7,2025, while receiving 2.2 million doses of malaria vaccines at the National Medical Stores (NMS) in Kajjansi Town Council . She noted that acquired doses are a joint contribution from GAVi and the government of Uganda . She pointed out that the acquired malaria vaccines will be administered in four doses to children aged 6-18 months.
Minister Jane Ruth Aceng highlighted that the acquisition of malaria vaccines is a historic step towards reducing deaths and illnesses caused by malaria.
” This is a big step towards elimination of malaria across the country. Malaria is the leading cause of deaths and illnesses Particularly among young children and pregnant women . Every day we lose six people to malaria , ” Minister Aceng revealed.
‘ With the acquisition of malaria vaccines we are moving towards reducing mortality among children. The vaccine has been scientifically proven in reducing malaria. We expect 3.5 million doses of malaria for distribution in 105 districts but so far we have got 2.2million doses. As more doses are made available we shall cover the whole country.
She further emphasized that the vaccines will be administered to children between 6- 18 months.
“The four doses will be administered to children in this order 6months , 7months, 8months and 18 months. The vaccine is free of charge and nobody pays for it.
‘ Parents should ensure children receive all the four doses . Let’s work together to ensure we achieve a malaria free Uganda. We intend to achieve 95% coverage , ” Minister Aceng noted.’
The Assistant Commissioner in charge of malaria control at the Ministry of Health , Dr. Jimmy Opigo explained that the vaccine will help to prevent multiplication of malaria parasites from getting into the blood.
The representative of the World Health Organization and Head of mission in Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, gave assurance that the vaccines are safe , effective and will go a long way to save lives.
“The vaccine is a historic milestone in Uganda in the fight against malaria. The vaccines are preventive measures for life time. The impact of malaria disease is devastating. So far , seventeen countries have introduced this vaccine reaching over 4 million children.
” All eligible children each should receive four doses for effective immunization. Let’s not compromise the quality.The World Health Organization is committed to ensuring there is smooth and successful introduction of malaria vaccines to children.
The Representative of UNICEF to Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy, reiterated that the acquired malaria vaccines will complement other existing malaria interventions. He disclosed that available statistics indicate that every year Uganda registers 20,000 deaths caused by malaria while 15-20% of hospital admissions are for malaria cases .
He urged management of National Medical Stores to deliver the vaccines to the intended beneficiaries or people.
Dr. Christine Ondoa ,who represented the Board Chairperson for National Medical Stores (NMS), assured the general public of the safety of malaria vaccines and also appreciated development partners for the logistical support towards acquisition of the vaccines.
