Margaret Muhanga, the Minister for State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care has urged religious leaders to dispel myths and encourage families to bring their children for immunization.
You hold a unique and powerful position in shaping public perception, the minister told a meeting in Kampala on Wednesday where the ministry meet religious leaders to engage them on the upcoming introduction of malaria vaccine into the routine immunization schedule.
The religious leaders were oriented on the Malaria vaccine and pledged their support and commitment to sensitize their respective communities.Deputy Mufti, Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Sheikh Ali Waiswa said.
“This meeting is not just about discussing vaccines—it is about empowering you, our respected religious leaders, with the knowledge and tools necessary to spread the message of health, prevention, and protection.
By equipping you with the right information, we can ensure that you have the confidence to engage with your congregations and tackle any misconceptions, thereby encouraging the uptake of the malaria vaccine and routine immunizations for all children.”
In addition to tackling Malaria the leading cause of illness and death, Ag. Director General Health Services, Olaro Charles, asked the religious leaders to encourage Ugandans to test for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) before getting married.
“16% of under 5 child mortality is due to SCD. 25,000 children are born annually with SCD and 80% die before their 5th birthday,” he said.
In partnership with Faith for Family Health Initiative, the Ministry of Health is engaged religious leaders from 14 regions of Uganda to orient them on the introduction of the Malaria vaccine into the routine immunization schedule.
“Malaria has been here for a long time, it has ceased being a health issue but now a family issue. Religious leaders interface with the communities daily and when well empowered with information, they can support us in eliminating Malaria,” Richard Kabanda said.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Diana Atwine, appreciated the religious leaders and Faith for Family Health Initiative for participating in this engagement and their support to end Malaria in Uganda.
She said “The body is the temple of God and if it is not well [healthy], it cannot fulfill the purpose it was created for.”Adding, “Vaccines work, helps and alleviates the disease burden. Most diseases have been eradicated because of vaccination”
