Gulu District to Roll Out R21Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine in April 2025

Gulu District’s Health Department has announced plans to introduce the R21Matrix-M malaria vaccine in April 2025 as part of efforts to combat malaria, the leading cause of illness and death in the region.

Yoweri Idiba, the Assistant Gulu District Health Officer, confirmed the development during a malaria advocacy meeting held at the district headquarters last Friday. He assured health workers that the district is well-prepared to conduct a mass immunization campaign using the new vaccine.

“Malaria is a significant health burden in Gulu. This vaccine will help improve child survival by reducing all causes of under-five mortality, as malaria is a major contributor. It will also decrease hospitalization and malaria-related deaths,” said Idiba.

William Onyai, the Gulu District Health Educator, reiterated the district’s readiness for the vaccine rollout, emphasizing its potential to lower malaria-related deaths. He noted that neighboring countries such as Kenya, Sudan, and Egypt have successfully eliminated malaria, thanks in part to similar vaccination efforts.

Dr. Myer Lugemwa, a Malariologist at the Malaria Elimination Division of the Ministry of Health, highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the malaria vaccine in October 2021 as part of the malaria prevention strategy for high-risk countries.

Health officials in Gulu are optimistic that widespread community acceptance of the vaccine will contribute significantly to the eventual elimination of malaria in the district.