Lira, Uganda | The Ministry of Health has called on clan leaders from the Lango sub-region to attend an orientation meeting designed to strengthen community involvement in the rollout of the malaria vaccine, which is set to be included in Uganda’s routine immunization programme.
In a letter dated 4th June 2025, the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro stated that the meeting will take place at Lira City Council Hall on 11th June 2025, starting at 8:00 AM.
He noted that the involvement of cultural leaders was vital to ensuring the success of this new intervention.
The Ministry highlighted alarming figures from its 2024 health report, which recorded 15,758,278 confirmed malaria cases and 2,793 deaths.
It stated that malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death in the country, accounting for 30–50% of outpatient consultations, with children under five years facing the highest risk.
Officials indicated that Uganda is now the third largest global contributor to malaria cases and seventh in malaria-related deaths.
In light of these statistics, the government has intensified its efforts, including preventive measures such as mosquito net distribution and indoor residual spraying.
The introduction of the malaria vaccine, they explained, represents a major step forward in curbing the disease, especially in vulnerable populations.
The Ministry emphasized that clan leaders have been recognized as crucial partners in health promotion efforts due to their influence in communities.
The upcoming orientation, they noted, will brief participants on the performance of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), with a specific focus on lessons from the recently concluded “Big Catch-Up” campaign.
It was also noted that the session would introduce data and scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of the malaria vaccine.
Officials said they expect the vaccine to play a significant role in reducing severe malaria cases and deaths among eligible children.
According to the Ministry, the orientation will also aim to galvanize support from cultural leaders in increasing public awareness and demand for both malaria vaccine and routine immunizations.
The Ministry of Health stressed that overcoming the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases required a multi-sectoral approach.
The inclusion of cultural leaders in the malaria vaccine campaign, they stated, would help address misinformation and boost community acceptance.
The meeting is being organized in collaboration with the Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization (UNEPI) and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), with additional support from the Ministry’s departments of Public Health and Health Promotion.
