Kampala: The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on leaders to embrace and support the use of the new malaria vaccine aimed at eliminating Uganda's leading cause of death and disease burden. The malaria vaccine, launched in April 2025, is earmarked for 1.1 million children under two years, in 105 high and moderate malaria transmission districts. Tayebwa emphasized the need for leaders at all levels to encourage parents and caretakers to take children for vaccination at designated health facilities.
According to African Press Organization, Tayebwa highlighted the success of vaccination in dealing with the six killer diseases, noting the significant reduction in polio cases. He expressed concern over recent reports from the Ministry of Health indicating that the malaria disease burden is high among school-going children. Tayebwa urged the government to consider Indoor Residual Spraying for dormitories and classrooms, which eliminates mosquitoes for several months.
Tayebwa proposed that the government develop a policy on spraying dormitories in boarding schools, citing the difficulty of using mosquito nets on triple or double-decker beds. He estimated that the indoor residual spray would cost each student Shs 5,000, a worthwhile investment given the malaria disease burden and the resultant death.
The Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals), Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, who participated in a related walk, shared her personal struggles with malaria, expressing optimism that malaria can be eradicated from Uganda. Nyamutoro recounted her early years when frequent malaria diagnoses led to hospital visits, a situation she hopes can be alleviated for future generations.
Chinese Deputy Ambassador in Uganda, H.E. Fan Xuecheng, reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting malaria treatment and elimination in Uganda, describing the nation as a reliable partner in the fight. Xuecheng mentioned that China provided 500,000 packs of anti-malaria drugs last year and will continue to support Uganda in this endeavor.
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, noted that while the malaria burden remains unacceptably high in Uganda, the tools, knowledge, and opportunity to achieve a malaria-free world are available. Dr. Mwinga called for investment in proven interventions and collective efforts to accelerate progress.
The Walk Against Malaria is an advocacy and awareness campaign led by the Parliamentary Forum on Malaria, chaired by Hon. Timothy Batuwa (FDC, Jinja South Division West). The Forum collaborates with UNICEF, WHO, Malaria Consortium, Pilgrim for Africa, Next Media, Malaria Free Uganda, embassies, and other partners. The walk aims to mobilize domestic resources for malaria control and elimination and raise awareness about malaria risks.