A malaria vaccine that uses a weakened form of the parasite has passed a “critical milestone” in human safety trials, say researchers.
Doctors used a genetically modified form of malaria that was unable to cause a full infection in people.
Trials, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, suggested it was safe and generated a good immune response.
Tropical disease experts described the findings as “promising”.
Malaria leading cause of death in Uganda
Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that malaria is still the leading cause of death in Uganda, accounting for over 27% of deaths.
The statistics also show that Uganda has the world’s highest malaria incidence, with a rate of 478 cases per 1,000 population per year.
Uganda ranks as 6th among African countries with high malaria-related mortality rates.
A study published last year by the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene showed that malaria is still the major cause of death in Uganda with approximately 70,000 to 100,000 Ugandans dying each year from the disease.
A 2013/2014 report by the parliamentary committee of health showed that 50% of deaths caused by malaria in Uganda are among children below five years.
The Acholi sub-region still bears the harshest brunt of the disease, with the prevalence rates soaring every year.
