Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Uganda, and it affects almost every family at some point. Children under five and pregnant women are at the greatest risk, but adults also lose work days, school days and money to repeated infections. The good news is that malaria is preventable and treatable, and new tools, including a malaria vaccine for young children, are making a real difference.
This guide brings together practical steps every Ugandan household can take. It is general health information. If you or your child has symptoms, go to a health facility quickly.
How malaria spreads
Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which mostly bite between dusk and dawn. When a mosquito bites a person who has malaria, it picks up the parasites and can pass them on to the next person it bites. Breaking this cycle at any point reduces infections.
1. Sleep under an insecticide treated net every night
Long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent malaria. To get the most from your net:
- Use it every night, all year, not just in the rainy season
- Make sure every family member sleeps under a net, especially children and pregnant women
- Tuck the edges under the mattress so mosquitoes cannot get in
- Repair holes quickly with thread or patches
- Wash gently and dry in the shade, as harsh washing and direct sun reduce the insecticide
- Replace old nets, which lose effectiveness over time
Uganda runs periodic mass net distribution campaigns. Health centres can also advise on getting nets for pregnant women and young children.
2. The malaria vaccine for young children
On 2 April 2025, Uganda introduced the malaria vaccine into routine immunisation, in what partners described as Africa's largest malaria vaccine rollout to date. The vaccine targets young children in districts with high and moderate malaria transmission, given as four doses starting in infancy, alongside other routine vaccines. According to PATH, in the first year more than 3.1 million doses were given and over 1.1 million children were reached across 105 districts and cities.
Uptake of the first dose was very high, but fewer children completed later doses. Full protection requires all four doses, so keep your child's immunisation card and attend every scheduled visit. Ask your nearest health centre whether the vaccine is offered in your district and when your child is due.
The vaccine reduces malaria cases and severe illness but does not replace nets and other prevention measures. Use them together.
3. Indoor residual spraying
In some districts, the government and partners spray the inside walls of homes with insecticide that kills mosquitoes resting there. If your area is covered, allow the spraying teams in and follow their instructions on when it is safe to return and how long to avoid washing the walls.
4. Reduce mosquito breeding around your home
- Remove stagnant water from containers, old tyres, tins and blocked gutters
- Cover water storage tanks and jerrycans
- Clear bushes and tall grass near the house
- Fill potholes and puddles where water collects
- Fit screens on windows and close doors and windows at dusk
5. Protect pregnant women
Malaria in pregnancy can cause anaemia, miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight. Pregnant women should:
- Attend antenatal care early and regularly
- Take preventive malaria treatment during pregnancy as provided at antenatal visits
- Sleep under a treated net every night
- Seek care immediately for fever
Know the symptoms
Common symptoms of malaria include fever, chills and sweating, headache, body aches, tiredness, nausea or vomiting, and loss of appetite. In young children, look out for fever, refusing to feed, vomiting, unusual sleepiness and fast breathing.
Danger signs that need urgent care
- Convulsions or fits
- Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Inability to drink or breastfeed
- Repeated vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Very pale palms or yellow eyes
If you see any of these, go to the nearest hospital immediately.
Test before you treat
Not every fever is malaria. Get tested at a health facility, pharmacy or with a village health team member using a rapid diagnostic test or microscopy. Testing ensures you get the right treatment and helps prevent drug resistance.
Take the full treatment
Uncomplicated malaria is treated with artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT), as prescribed by a health worker. Take the full course even if you feel better after a day or two. Stopping early can allow parasites to survive and come back. Severe malaria needs hospital treatment.
Avoid self medication with leftover drugs or unverified products, and buy medicines from licensed outlets.
Malaria and travel
Visitors from low malaria regions and Ugandans returning after long periods abroad may have lower immunity. Talk to a health professional about preventive medication before travelling to high transmission areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults get the malaria vaccine?
Uganda's rollout targets young children, who face the highest risk of severe malaria and death. Adults should rely on nets and other prevention.
Can you get malaria more than once?
Yes. Repeated infections are common in high transmission areas, which is why prevention matters every night.
Are herbal remedies effective against malaria?
Only proven medicines prescribed after testing should be used to treat malaria. Delaying effective treatment can be dangerous, especially for children.
Talk to a health professional
For questions about prevention, travel or recurring illness, book a health expert on The Quick Consult. For emergencies or danger signs, go to the nearest health facility immediately.