By Mulengera Reporter
As Uganda prepares to roll out the long-awaited malaria vaccine in April 2025, the Ministry of Health has turned to cultural leaders to help mobilize communities and combat misinformation in some of the most affected regions.
This partnership is expected to play a critical role in ensuring the successful implementation of the vaccination program, particularly in the Bugisu and Teso sub-regions, where malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death.
Data from the Ministry of Health shows that Mbale District recorded a 48% malaria positivity rate in 2024 and ranked second in malaria-related deaths, with 107 fatalities, only surpassed by Hoima’s 135.
The malaria death rate in Mbale stood at 27%, nearly double the national average of 14%, with Bubyangu, Budwale, and Bufumbo being the most affected areas. Nationally, malaria accounts for 33% of outpatient attendances and 20% of hospitalizations, making it Uganda’s most prevalent disease.
In an effort to change this reality, the government has partnered with traditional institutions to drive vaccine acceptance and address concerns that have contributed to vaccine hesitancy.
During a meeting with Bugisu cultural leaders at Wash and Wills Hotel, Commissioner for Emergency Services, Dr. John Baptist Waniaye, underscored the importance of engaging trusted community figures in public health campaigns.
“The partnership aims to dispel myths and ensure that health messages reach communities in even the most remote areas,” Dr. Waniaye said. He urged clan leaders to take the lead in correcting misinformation, particularly fears that vaccines are harmful or foreign interventions designed to harm Africans.
Similarly, in Teso, the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has pledged to support the vaccine rollout by mobilizing communities and working closely with health officials. Speaking at a press briefing at Akello Hotel in Soroti City, Prof. John Charles Okiria from the Ministry of Health described the vaccine as a major breakthrough in Uganda’s fight against malaria.
“The government has come up with a proven program to provide vaccination for children above six months. These vaccines have been tested and proven effective in building immunity against malaria parasites. We call upon the people in Teso to fully embrace this initiative,” Prof. Okiria stated.
ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole welcomed the government’s intervention and assured the institution’s commitment to driving vaccine awareness across the region.
Despite the optimism, officials acknowledge that challenges remain. In urban areas, vaccine uptake tends to be lower, and population mobility often disrupts vaccination schedules.
Dr. Alfred Anyonga, Soroti City Health Officer, noted that some children miss the required four doses due to frequent movement between rural and urban areas.
“You realize that giving a vaccine is not a one-off event. The malaria vaccine requires four doses. Sometimes, after the first dose, the child is no longer in the area, making it difficult to ensure full immunization coverage,” Dr. Anyonga explained.
To address this, the government is strengthening community health systems and enhancing collaboration with village health teams to track and follow up on children receiving the vaccine.
With malaria remaining a significant public health threat, the success of this vaccination campaign will largely depend on the willingness of communities to participate.
The government hopes that by working with cultural leaders, more people will accept the vaccine, leading to a substantial reduction in malaria-related illnesses and deaths. If fully embraced, this initiative could mark a decisive step in Uganda’s ongoing battle against malaria. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
