Uganda has taken a significant step in combating malaria by launching the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization schedule, targeting children under 2 years old in 105 districts with high and moderate malaria transmission. This initiative aims to reduce severe illness and death due to malaria among children under 5 years old ¹ ².
Malaria Vaccines:
- RTS,S/AS01: Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for widespread use in children living in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission.
- R21/Matrix-M: Approved by WHO for use in malaria-endemic countries, expected to increase vaccine supply and benefit more children.
Benefits of Malaria Vaccination:
- Reduces uncomplicated malaria by approximately 40%
- Decreases severe malaria by around 30%
- Lowers all-cause mortality by 13%
- Can be delivered alongside other control interventions like insecticide-treated nets and prompt malaria treatment
³
Uganda’s Malaria Vaccine Rollout:
- 3.5 million doses to be distributed to children under 2 years old across 105 districts
- Vaccine administered at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months
- Partnership between Uganda’s Ministry of Health, PATH, WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF ensures successful implementation
Key Partners:
- PATH: Providing technical and financial assistance for vaccine introduction and implementation
- WHO: Recommending malaria vaccines and supporting country-level implementation
- Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance: Funding vaccine procurement and supporting rollout
- UNICEF: Collaborating on vaccine distribution and implementation ¹ ²
