His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro Kingdom, yesterday launched a landmark Malaria Vaccine Campaign aimed at combating one of the region’s most persistent health threats.
Speaking at the official launch event held in Fort Portal City, the youthful monarch emphasized the urgency of tackling malaria, which continues to claim thousands of lives, particularly among children under five years old.
“This campaign represents a significant advancement in our efforts to safeguard the health of our population, particularly our children, from the devastating impacts of malaria and its associated complications,” King Oyo declared.
He added, “It has come to my attention that malaria constitutes the foremost health challenge in Tooro, accounting for nearly 30% of outpatient visits and 20% of hospital fatalities, with children under the age of five bearing the heaviest burden.”
The campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Tooro Kingdom leadership, will focus on vaccinating children under the age of two against malaria—a disease that remains a leading cause of death in Uganda despite decades of prevention and treatment efforts.
“I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Health for leading this commendable campaign,” the King said. “All parents are encouraged to ensure that their children under the age of two receive vaccination against malaria.”
Health officials at the event reiterated that the malaria vaccine, recently approved for rollout across several African nations, offers an additional layer of protection alongside existing prevention measures such as mosquito nets and indoor spraying.
Local leaders and community health workers applauded the Kingdom’s support in mobilizing the population, noting that cultural institutions play a crucial role in influencing behavior change and promoting public health.
The campaign is expected to run throughout the year, with mobile vaccination teams set to reach even the most remote areas of the Kingdom.
