Largest Malaria Vaccine Campaign of its Kind Kicks Off

Uganda is launching its largest malaria vaccine campaign to date.

“UNICEF is proud to support Uganda’s historic roll-out of the malaria vaccine, which represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to protect children from this deadly disease. […] We urge all parents and caregivers to ensure their children recieve all four doses of this life-saving vaccine as part of Uganda’s routine immunization services,” says Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.

In partnership with Gavi Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and other partners, Uganda’s Ministry of Health introduced the malaria vaccine into routine immunization – becoming the 19th country in Africa to do so. As of now, malaria is the leading cause of death among young children in Uganda, and the government itself is considered to be one of the most malaria-burdened nations in Africa. The initial launch will ensure that 1.1 million children under two in moderate to high-transmission districts across Uganda will receive the vaccine. “Today marks a historic turning point in Uganda’s fight against malaria. […] This vaccine is a game changer, and we together must ensure every child receives it,” adds WHO Representative to Uganda, Dr Kasonde Mwinga.