The Ministry of Health is set to intensify efforts to ensure children complete all four doses of the malaria vaccine, following observations of high dropout rates.
Speaking at a routine immunization breakfast meeting, Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine said many caregivers fail to return for subsequent doses, limiting the vaccine’s protective benefits.
She emphasized that incomplete vaccination leaves children vulnerable to severe malaria.
The ministry plans to strengthen follow-up mechanisms, community sensitization, and health worker engagement to improve completion rates.
Dr. Atwiine noted that malaria remains a major public health threat, and full immunization is critical to reducing child illness and deaths.
Uganda introduced the malaria vaccine in April 2025 in 107 high-burden districts, marking the largest malaria vaccine rollout globally.
The vaccine is administered in four doses: at 6, 7, and 8 months, with a final booster at 18 months.
To date, over 1 million children have received the first dose, representing 101% of the target population, while 67% have received the second dose and 47% the third dose, according to the Ministry of Health.
By Newsroom
27th Jan 2026
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