APAC DISTRICT HOSTS LAUNCH OF MALARIA VACCINE

Participants attending the event at Apac Boma Ground. All photos by Ambrose Okai

By Ambrose Okai

Apac

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, has launched a malaria vaccination campaign aimed at combating malaria death in children.

The newly introduced R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine into the country’s routine immunization schedule, targets children aged six to 18 months. It becomes the 14th addition to Uganda’s list of immunizations against deadly diseases.

The launch was held at Apac Boma Ground in Apac Municipality April 2, 2025 by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Robina Nabbanja.

Nabbanja said the government is committed to ensure that the lives of Ugandans are protected.

Nabbanja accompanied by various people as she arrived at Apac Boma Ground on Wednesday
April 2, 2025 for the malaria vaccine launch.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the Minister of Health, said Apac district was chosen to host the launch of the Malaria vaccine as this is the district with the greatest number of mosquito bites per person in the world.

She appreciated the people of Lango and Apac District for their contribution as well as to global partners such as GAVI, WHO, UNICEF, and PATH whose support has been instrumental in making this achievement possible.

“Apac District was chosen to host the launch of the malaria vaccine as it is the district with the greatest number of mosquito bites per person in the world. I appreciate the people of Lango and Apac District for their contributions, as well as our global partners whose support has been instrumental in making this achievement possible.” Aceng said.

Malaria: A Growing Concern in Apac  

Dr. Daniel James Odongo, Apac District Health Officer, said the trend of malaria is increasing in Apac District, and pregnant women are the most affected.

‘’In 2020, we registered 3,801 cases, and in 2024, the cases shot up to 4,343. We found that this increase is due to mothers attending traditional birth attendants, particularly in Apoi and Akokoro Sub-counties,” Dr Odongo explained.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, Sam Opira, Chegere Sub-County Councillor to the Apac District Local Government Council, who also serves as the Secretary for Health and Education, noted that there is need to promote the malaria vaccination campaign to shift public perceptions.

He explained that misconceptions still persist within some communities, where malaria-related deaths are often attributed to witchcraft.

“Such beliefs have created many enemies in the community, as families of the deceased tend to blame neighbors for malaria deaths, claiming it is the result of witchcraft,” Opira stated.

‘’such harmful myths are dangerous and yet malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. So, we call for more education and awareness campaigns to dispel those myths,’’Opira adds.

Targeting Over One Million Children

The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro, on his part stated that the initiative aims to reach over one million children.

Dr. Olaro urged parents and caregivers to ensure children receive all doses of the vaccine as part of the immunization schedule.

He said this initiative aims to protect Uganda’s youngest and most vulnerable population from severe malaria, a disease that remains one of the country’s leading public health challenges.

“Malaria vaccines are a powerful tool, but they should not replace other preventive measures. Use mosquito-treated nets, continue indoor residual spraying, and ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, which are available at our hospitals.” Dr Olaro said.
Community Impact

Linda Atim, a mother of two from Upper Center Cell, Agulu Division, believed with the introduction of vaccination, malaria cases will come down.

“Sometimes malaria attacks our children, and when you go to the health facility there are no drugs. This makes many resort to private health facilities where we have to buy drugs that prove expensive to many people but with these vaccines, malaria cases will decrease,” Atim explained.

Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death in Uganda, especially among children under five.

According to the 2024 Health Management Information System (HMS) report, 32,900 people fall sick from malaria daily, disrupting their routine activities.

Treating a single case of malaria costs approximately 15,000 Ugandan shillings, covering drugs and transportation.

The launch of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine gives hope to millions of families in Uganda in tackling this public health challenge.

Written by admin