Ministry of Health Engages Religious Leaders on Malaria Vaccine Introduction

The Ministry of Health is engaging religious leaders from 14 regions across Uganda to orient them on the introduction of the malaria vaccine into the country’s routine immunization schedule. This initiative aims to leverage the influence of faith leaders in communities to raise awareness and support for malaria prevention efforts.Speaking at the engagement, Mr. Richard Kabanda, Commissioner for Health Promotion, Education, and Communication at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in the fight against malaria.

"Malaria has been here for a long time, and it has ceased being just a health issue—it is now a family issue. Religious leaders interact with communities daily, and when well empowered with information, they can support us in eliminating malaria," Mr. Kabanda stated.

The Ministry believes that by integrating the malaria vaccine into routine immunization, Uganda will take a significant step toward reducing the burden of the disease, which remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among children under five years old.This orientation program aims to equip religious leaders with accurate information about the vaccine, address concerns or misconceptions, and encourage acceptance among their followers. The Ministry hopes that through this collaboration, communities will embrace the malaria vaccine and other preventive measures, leading to a healthier population.The initiative is part of Uganda’s broader efforts under the #MOHatWork and #MalariaVaccineUG campaigns, which seek to strengthen immunization programs and ultimately eliminate malaria in the country.