Effective 2025, the Ministry of Health will incorporate the R21 Matrix M malaria vaccine into Uganda’s routine immunization schedule. This decision is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce child mortality and morbidity caused by malaria, one of the leading health threats in the country.

The vaccine will be administered to all children under the age of five years, targeting prevention of severe malaria. It will be given in four doses, starting at six months for the first dose, followed by the second at seven months, the third at eight months, and the fourth dose at 18 months.

The announcement was made during a District advocacy and sensitization meeting on the malaria vaccine, organized by USAID/ SBCA ( obulamu)in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

During the meeting, stakeholders from various sectors were urged to actively participate in raising awareness and ensuring the successful roll-out of the vaccine.

Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of child deaths in Uganda, and the introduction of the R21 M vaccine is seen as a critical step in the fight against the disease.

 Abdullah Kayongo, the Behaviour change communication specialist at the Ministry of Healthemphasized the importance of collective effort in sensitizing communities and ensuring that parents take their children for timely immunization.

 “This vaccine will be a game-changer in reducing the burden of malaria among children, and it is essential that we work together to make sure all eligible children are protected,” Kayongo said.

 The vaccine rollout is expected to contribute to Uganda’s efforts to combat malaria, alongside other malaria prevention strategies such as the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying.

 James Ouma, the secretary in charge f health and education urged parents and caregivers to adhere to the vaccine schedule to ensure full protection against malaria.

The district Bio-statician Ali Kizito during the Malaria advocacy and sensitization meeting in the district council hall

Abdullah Kayongo, the Ministry of health’s behaviour change communication specialist during the meeting