By Haron Okwir
Dokolo, Uganda – Dokolo District has received 7,100 doses of the new malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, as part of Uganda’s largest-ever malaria vaccination campaign aimed at reducing the burden of the disease among young children.
Speaking to our reporter in his office, Mr. Odongo Eugene, the Assistant District Health Officer (DHO) of Dokolo, confirmed the receipt of the vaccines and emphasized that the doses will help reduce malaria rates across the district.
He noted that the vaccine will be administered in four doses at the ages of 6, 7, 8 and 18 months.
However, children aged 12 months who have not completed any routine immunization schedules will not be vaccinated.
Mr. Patrick Ouni Diox, the District Health Educator, urged the public, especially pregnant women, to continue using mosquito prevention measures such as sleeping under treated nets and clearing bushes around their homes.
He also encouraged parents to take their children to the nearest health facilities or outreach sites like markets for vaccination.
“This vaccine will not only reduce malaria cases but also lower the costs families incur on treatment—money that can instead be used for school fees, seeds or other essential needs,” he said.
According to the District Cold Chain Technician, Mrs. Fiona Acan, all 17 health facilities in Dokolo have already received their allocated doses and training has been completed for health workers responsible for administering the vaccine.
The national campaign was officially launched on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Apac District by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with global partners.
Uganda now becomes the 19th African country to integrate the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization program. The campaign targets 1.1 million children under two years of age in 105 high and moderate malaria transmission districts.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero said the R21/Matrix-M vaccine has the potential to prevent up to 800 severe malaria cases daily, marking a critical step in the fight against one of Uganda’s leading causes of illness and death in children.
So far, the Ministry has distributed over 2.2 million vaccine doses nationwide and has conducted intensive community mobilization efforts to ensure awareness and acceptance.
Uganda joins other African countries like Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that have already introduced the vaccine to reduce childhood mortality caused by malaria.
