The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on parents to take part in the upcoming nationwide malaria vaccination exercise.
Speaking passionately about the impact of malaria on Uganda, Mayiga emphasized the importance of protecting children through immunization.
“Health is a priority in Buganda Kingdom because the journey to put Buganda back on top requires healthy people.
In most homes, we are affected by different diseases, but malaria is the disease that bothers us the most. It kills many people every second, every minute, and every day that passes in Buganda and Uganda at large,” Mayiga said.
He stressed that the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a malaria vaccine that will be integrated into Uganda’s routine immunization program starting in April 2025.
The vaccine will be administered to children aged 6 months to 2 years and will be provided free of charge, funded by the Ugandan government and international partners.
“I urge you to bring children for immunization. This vaccine will save lives and ensure our children grow up healthy and strong,” Mayiga added.
Uganda’s Malaria Burden
Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death in Uganda, particularly among children under five years old.
According to the 2024 Health Management Information System (HMIS) report, 32,900 people in Uganda contract malaria daily, with 16 deaths reported every day due to the disease.
Among these, 6,500 cases involve children, with 10 children dying daily from malaria.
The World Malaria Report 2024 revealed that Uganda accounted for 4.8% of global malaria cases, recording 12.6 million cases in 2023 alone.
This means nearly 29% of the country’s population was affected by malaria in a single year, making Uganda one of the worst-hit countries globally.
Treating malaria places a financial burden on families, with each episode costing around UGX 15,000 for medication and transport — an amount that could otherwise cover a meal for an average household.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About the New Malaria Vaccine
How the Vaccine Works
Dr. Jane Irene Nabakooza, a pediatrician and public health expert, explained that while everyone is at risk of malaria, children under five are most vulnerable.
“Most of us are exposed to malaria early in life and build immunity by the age of five. However, children after six months lose the passive immunity acquired from their mothers and become highly susceptible,” Dr. Nabakooza said.
She explained that the malaria parasite first infects the liver, where it matures before attacking red blood cells. The vaccine works by preventing the parasite from infecting the liver, stopping the progression to severe malaria.
“Severe malaria is what leads to death. By blocking the parasite at the liver stage, the vaccine prevents severe cases and ultimately saves lives,” she noted.
Part of a Comprehensive Strategy
The malaria vaccine will complement existing prevention and control measures such as:
- Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
- Indoor residual spraying
- Early diagnosis and treatment
Mayiga concluded by stressing that a healthy population is essential for Buganda’s prosperity.
“Uganda and Buganda will only prosper if the people are healthy and able to work. This can only happen if children are vaccinated against malaria,” he said.
