In a historic escalation of the fight against one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, Uganda has officially commenced the distribution of 3.5 million doses of the malaria vaccine, with an initial 2.278 million doses flagged off today for deployment to 105 high- and moderate-transmission districts.

The vaccine, which will be integrated into Uganda’s routine immunization schedule starting April 2025, represents the largest single-country rollout of a malaria vaccine to date in terms of geographic scope and target population. The four-dose regimen is designed to protect children at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months of age the most vulnerable window for malaria-related mortality.

“This is a historic step forward in our fight against this deadly disease,” said Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero , Uganda’s Minister of Health, during the flag-off ceremony in Kampala. “With the support of Gavi, UNICEF , and other partners, we are ensuring that every eligible child has access to this life-saving intervention.”

Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among Ugandan children under five, placing immense strain on households and the national health system. The introduction of the vaccine adds a critical biological shield to the country’s existing arsenal, which includes insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal chemoprevention, and aggressive case management.

The rollout is supported by a multilateral partnership. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is coordinating the global malaria vaccination programme and providing financial backing for procurement, transport, and deployment. UNICEF has overseen the procurement and air-freighting of the doses, ensuring cold-chain integrity and timely delivery.

“Today, we turn a page in Uganda’s health story,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda. “This introduction means that the national immunization schedule now includes 14 vaccines to be delivered during childhood among the highest on the continent. We now must ensure these vaccines are delivered safely and efficiently.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has played a foundational role, having coordinated the pilot evaluations that generated the evidence base for the prequalification and recommendation of the two safe and effective malaria vaccines now available. WHO continues to provide technical guidance and cross-regional experience-sharing to support national implementation.

Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Uganda, Billie Nieuwenhuys, underscored the broader implications of the campaign, noting that it coincides with the Alliance’s 25th anniversary.

“The efforts that have been made to prepare for what will be the world’s largest malaria vaccine introduction to date are a testament to the Government of Uganda and partners’ unwavering commitment,” Nieuwenhuys said. “We are excited about the potential of our newest vaccine programme to save tens of thousands of lives each year while alleviating the devastating burden malaria places on families, communities, and health systems.”

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the vaccination drive will eventually be expanded to cover the entire country. Parents and caregivers are being urged to bring eligible children to health facilities as part of routine immunization visits, with the government emphasizing that the vaccine is not a standalone solution but a complementary pillar in a comprehensive malaria control strategy.

The Ministry extended its appreciation to additional partners, including PATH and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), for their technical contributions.

As Uganda prepares for the April 2025 immunization start date, health officials are focusing on logistics, community sensitization, and health worker training to ensure that no child is left behind in what they describe as a “new chapter” in the nation’s public health history.