By: Jjingo Francis
ITALY
The GAVI Vaccine Alliance has announced a plan to support Uganda in the manufacture of Malaria Vaccines starting in April 2025.
The Chairman of the Board of GAVI the Vaccine Alliance Jose Manuel Durao Barroso made this commitment during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Uganda Rt Hon Nabbanja Robinah as she concluded her working visit in Italy last evening.
The Scientists in Uganda in 2023 indicated to WHO that they were in the process of developing a malaria vaccine in Uganda. However, the Government of Uganda is required to co-finance this initiative by 8 million US dollars.
According to WHO, Uganda has the world’s highest malaria incidence rate of 478 cases per 1,000 populations per year.
It is also the leading cause of sickness and death in Uganda and is responsible for up to 40 percent of all outpatient visits, 25 percent of hospital admissions and 14 percent of all hospital deaths.
The Malaria death rate in Uganda is estimated to be between 70,000 and 100,000 deaths per year; a toll that exceeds that of HIV/AIDS.
Uganda was also commended by GAVI Board Chair for the successful HPV vaccine immunization against cervical cancer among women.
For Gavi to sustain the supply of vaccines worldwide they require about 12 billion Euros.
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