Uganda Launches Malaria Vaccination Exercise in Tooro Region

Ministry of Health Expands Malaria Prevention Efforts

The Ministry of Health has officially launched the malaria vaccination exercise in Uganda’s Tooro region, marking a significant step in the country’s fight against the deadly disease.

National Vaccination Campaign Details

Earlier this year, Uganda became the 19th African country to introduce the malaria vaccine into routine immunization programs. The campaign initially targets 1.1 million children under two years across 105 high-risk districts. The vaccination schedule includes four doses administered at six, seven, eight, and eighteen months.

Government Officials Highlight Vaccine Importance

State Minister of Health for Primary Health Care, Margaret Mugisa Muhanga, emphasized that malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death in Uganda, claiming 16 lives daily. She projected the vaccine could prevent at least 800 new malaria cases among children, calling it a “major milestone” in transforming malaria into a vaccine-preventable disease.

Richard Mugahi, Commissioner for Reproductive & Maternal Health and Tooro Kingdom’s deputy health minister, stressed the importance of community engagement for the vaccine’s success. During the launch at Boma grounds in Fort Portal Tourism City, he urged stakeholders to collaborate with health teams to ensure high uptake.

Local Leadership Supports Vaccination Drive

Kabarole District LCV Chairperson Richard Rwabuhinga highlighted the economic benefits of malaria prevention while reminding communities to continue using treated mosquito nets alongside vaccination.

Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, through his representative Deputy Prime Minister Harriet Nyakake, endorsed the vaccination program as a critical step toward a malaria-free Uganda. The monarch pledged the kingdom’s full support and encouraged subjects to maintain other disease prevention measures.

Global Health Organization Confirms Vaccine Safety

The article concludes with assurance from GAVI, the global vaccine alliance, confirming the safety of the malaria vaccine being administered in Uganda.

This article summarizes an original report by URN. Full credit goes to the original source.