Uganda’s Ministry of Health is preparing to launch an innovative program to immunize infants against malaria, which is a significant cause of sickness and mortality in the country.
The nationwide effort is expected to kick off this April, with the goal of reducing the high rates of illness and death associated with the disease.
Uganda has been chosen as one of 12 African nations to receive 18 million doses of the first malaria vaccine, marking a crucial step in the fight against one of the major causes of death on the continent. The initial distribution will occur between 2023 and 2025, during which the country will obtain 1,750,000 doses of the vaccine, according to Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health.
“In the entire world, the total number of vaccines that can be produced is limited. We aim to provide people with four doses, meaning that if we receive 1 million or 800,000 doses, we will only be able to vaccinate about 250,000 children. Thus, we will target areas with the highest malaria incidence, specifically Northern and Eastern Uganda. Our focus is on regions where other interventions have not fully reached every child in the community, ensuring we are as equitable as possible,” stated Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze.
Malaria claims the lives of approximately 18 people every day across the nation. The World Health Organization reports that the vaccine has proven to be safe and effective in decreasing severe cases of malaria and fatalities. Since 2019, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have implemented the vaccine via the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program, successfully vaccinating over 1.7 million children during the phase 3 trial.
“We’re likely to begin at around 9 months, and if that isn’t feasible, we could follow Ghana’s approach and start at 12 months. We also anticipate the introduction of other vaccines, which we’ll administer alongside routine vaccinations, whenever children come in for other immunizations. Initially, we had only one approved vaccine, but the WHO has now authorized another one, R21, which has greater manufacturing capacity and availability, so Uganda is adapting. After receiving approval and planning for the initial vaccine, we’re now looking to request a second vaccine to allow more people to access it,” Dr. Kyabayinze elaborated.
“We opted for R21 because it is a more affordable vaccine. Previously, the Glaxo-produced vaccine was extremely costly. This vaccine is solely for children and not intended for adults. It lowers the incidence of severe malaria and reduces hospitalizations, and we are quite optimistic that it will significantly alleviate the burden of malaria. The Ministry is aware that certain private sector members have already introduced the Malaria Vaccine. The type they have introduced is the Glaxo version, which is a branded vaccine that has begun to be used. Yes, it is effective, safe, and beneficial, but for those willing to wait, the government’s version will be provided free of charge. The government of Uganda and GAVI have already covered the costs, and going forward, the malaria vaccine will be distributed at no cost to everyone in need,” remarked Dr. Jane Ruth Acheng, the Minister of Health.
The Malaria Vaccine will be administered in conjunction with other preventive measures such as indoor residual spraying and the distribution of mosquito nets.
“Naturally, with any injectable substance, there is the potential for side effects, and some individuals may experience pain at the injection site. Additionally, anything introduced into the body can lead to a slight fever,” Dr. Kyabayinze remarked.
Uganda ranks among the 10 countries with the highest malaria burden, accounting for 5 percent of all cases worldwide.
