Adjumani District is set to introduce the malaria vaccine into its routine immunisation program, joining 107 districts across Uganda with moderate to high malaria incidence. The initiative targets both nationals and refugees.
The Ministry of Health will officially launch the malaria vaccine on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, with Adjumani District holding its launch on the same day at Adjumani General Hospital.
The vaccine, designed for children aged six to 18 months, has been declared safe and effective by health experts.
It has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and the district health office.
Dr. Dominic Drametu, the Adjumani District Health Officer, highlighted the vaccine’s potential to reduce malaria-related illness and death, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents.
“All arrangements are in place, and we are ready to ensure all eligible children benefit from this vital intervention,” he said.
Ahead of the launch, the Ministry of Health has oriented district leadership, the health management team, and health officials. Authorities have also conducted micro-planning and developed a roadmap for the rollout.
Lulu Henry Leku, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of maternal and child health, noted that malaria was previously the leading cause of illness and death among children under five. However, recent interventions have led to a significant decline in cases.
“In the past six months, malaria morbidity has dropped from 58.3% to 23%, while the mortality rate has decreased from 33% to 9.4% across the district,” he said.
He attributed this progress to effective malaria control strategies, including three rounds of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, preventive treatment for pregnant women, integrated community case management, and the Ministry of Health’s test-and-treat policy.
Despite these gains, malaria remains a concern, with at least six people—four men and two women—succumbing to the disease in Adjumani District in recent months.
As part of the vaccine rollout preparations, 296 Village Health Team (VHT) members have been trained to conduct door-to-door mobilization and register eligible children. Additionally, leaders across two town councils and nine sub-counties have been sensitized.
All 41 health facilities in Adjumani District have received the malaria vaccine and are set to begin implementation.