In a major milestone in the fight against malaria, Uganda is set to introduce the malaria vaccine as part of its routine immunisation program in April 2025, in an ongoing effort to combat one of Africa’s most deadly diseases. The vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, has already been successfully used in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Cameroon, and South Sudan since 2019, yielding promising results in reducing malaria cases, particularly among children under five. This move is expected to have a substantial impact on Uganda, where malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death.
The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine was developed by GlaxoSmithKline in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) to target Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest strain of malaria. Studies show that the vaccine reduces malaria cases by approximately 30%, offering significant protection when combined with other malaria control measures like insecticide-treated bed nets. In Uganda, the vaccine will be administered to infants as part of the routine immunisation schedule, with the first dose given at six months of age and subsequent doses administered monthly until the child is about 18 months old.
Malaria continues to be a major health challenge in Uganda, accounting for a substantial portion of outpatient visits and hospital admissions. In 2023, malaria was responsible for more than 40% of outpatient visits and 30% of hospital admissions. The introduction of the malaria vaccine is expected to further reduce the burden of the disease, complementing existing efforts such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying programs. Health officials hope the vaccine will provide an additional layer of protection, ultimately helping to reduce the number of severe malaria cases and related hospitalizations.
The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to fight off the malaria parasite, preventing it from infecting liver cells. While it does not offer complete immunity, it significantly reduces the risk of severe malaria. In the countries where the vaccine has already been implemented, it has been shown to be safe and effective, with minimal side effects. This has reassured health officials that the vaccine will be beneficial in Uganda as well, providing protection for vulnerable children in high-risk areas.
Uganda’s introduction of the malaria vaccine is part of a larger national strategy aimed at eliminating malaria by 2030. Health officials are working closely with the WHO and GlaxoSmithKline to ensure the smooth rollout of the vaccine, which will include public education campaigns to inform parents about the importance of vaccination and how to access the vaccine. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take their children to local health centers for their scheduled vaccinations.
The rollout of the malaria vaccine in Uganda represents a new hope in the battle against malaria, offering the potential to dramatically reduce malaria-related deaths and hospital admissions. With continued investment in malaria control programs and increased access to healthcare, Uganda is poised to make significant strides toward eliminating malaria and improving the health of its population.
