Uganda ranks among the top three countries most affected by malaria, according to the World Health Organization’s 2023 report. In response to this alarming statistic, children across the country are taking a stand, urging the government to find lasting solutions to a disease that disproportionately affects babies and pregnant women.
Eden Manzilu, a child malaria ambassador, has called on the government to ensure the availability of necessary medications and resources to prevent the needless loss of lives to malaria.
“Mothers carrying unborn children need to receive medication promptly during their health center visits. If a child contracts malaria, they may not survive without proper treatment,” said Manzilu, his voice somber as he expressed his concern.
This week, children in various regions, including schools, will lead Malaria Week activities. These will include debates and discussions on strategies to curb the spread of malaria nationwide. They have also appealed to legislators to join them in this fight.
In support of this initiative, Members of Parliament who are part of the Parliamentary Forum on Malaria, led by Hon. Eric Mutiwa Geofrey of Bunyole West, have called on the government to allocate more funds to the fight against malaria, emphasizing that the disease continues to claim lives.
“The government must allocate funds for malaria testing kits. People need to be tested before receiving treatment so that the right medication can be administered,” said Mutiwa.
He also highlighted public fears about seeking treatment in government hospitals, citing concerns over the availability of medicine and health workers. He stressed the need for the government to adequately equip all health facilities.
Nebbi Woman MP Agnes Achibu suggested that the government consider planting mosquito-repellent plants as an affordable solution to reduce mosquito populations.
“Planting these types of plants would be a low-cost intervention. If we introduce these plants as natural repellents, it could be even cheaper than other methods,” Achibu explained.
She also emphasized the importance of public education on malaria prevention, urging people to keep their environments clean and eliminate sources of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
With malaria cases on the rise, MPs are urging the government to prioritize funding for malaria prevention and treatment, much like it has for other diseases such as HIV/AIDS, measles, and Mpox.
Dr. Irene Nabakooza from the Ministry of Health acknowledged the funding challenges faced by the government in addressing malaria but shared positive news. “We are hopeful that next year, Uganda will begin distributing malaria vaccines in hospitals as part of the final phase of trials. This will significantly help in curbing the spread of malaria,” she said during an interaction with journalists at Parliament.
Dr. Nabakooza also called on the public to play an active role in the fight against malaria. “In addition to sleeping under mosquito nets, it’s crucial for everyone to clean their surroundings and eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” she urged.
Uganda has seen a 40% increase in malaria incidence, largely due to factors such as climate change, poor use of mosquito nets, and a rising influx of refugees.
