The Minister of State for Health in Charge of General Duties, Hon. Sarah Opendi, has urged leaders to educate communities on the proper use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in order to intensify the fight against malaria in Uganda. This was at the just concluded 12th World Malaria Day Commemorations.

The 12th World Malaria Day was commemorated under the theme "End Malaria for Good "and a slogan of "Children up against Malaria", at Boma Grounds in Kabarole District.

Hon. Opendi who was also the guest of honour at the function  commended the decision of using school children because for advocacy saying "these are the real change agents that will bring about positive behavior in communities." She further urged the community to always test for malaria before treatment imploring all heath workers to ensure that only positive cases are given antimalarial drugs.  The Hon Minister acknowledged the support from Health Development Partners towards combating malaria in the country saying,  “owing to this support, the Ministry is currently distributing 24 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) all over the country to fight malaria.”

The World Health Organization Country Representative in Uganda was represented by Dr. Charles Katureebe - National Professional Officer/Malaria and in his remarks he highlighted the tremendous progress Africa has made in the fight against malaria, referring to the 2016 World Malaria Report which indicated a 23% drop in malaria cases between 2010-2015, and a drop in cases of death from malaria by 31%.

“Malaria prevention tools are making a measurable impact in Uganda, and as such improving access to these tools will help end malaria in the country”, he further added. He re-echoed WHO's call to governments and stakeholders to "close the gaps" in access to interventions, knowledge and use of available tools and funding.

Malaria remains a daily threat, with half of the world’s population still at risk. Currently, over 1100 people, mostly children under the age of five die from malaria. Additionally, Malaria in pregnant women plays a pivotal role resulting in poor pregnancy and birth outcomes. In 2016, Uganda recorded 16 million treatments with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) at health facilities and 600 malaria deaths majority of whom were children.

To curb Malaria, in February 2017, Uganda embarked on an ambitious Universal LLIN Coverage Campaign (UCC) to ensure that every Ugandan sleeps under a LLIN to protect them from the bites of mosquitoes which spread malaria. During the LLIN campaign, a total of 24 million nets will be distributed countrywide.

At the event, many activities took place to showcase the interventions being employed to fight Malaria. The MoH and partners tested the population at the event for Malaria using Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDTs) as well as providing treatment for those that tested positive. The masses were further educated on how mosquitoes breed and how to destroy their breeding grounds. A variety of theatricals showcased proper use of LLINs, indoor residual spraying, and seeking prompt care for malaria. 

In her remarks, the reigning Miss Uganda, 2016-17 Ms.  Leah Kagasa, pledged her support to champion malaria prevention.

In attendance were, Government officials, Civil Society Organizations, students, Implementing Partners, United States Agency for International Development and other Health Development Partners plus the United Nations Family in Uganda.

Below:

 01. Village Health Team showcases proper use of a mosquito net

02. A health worker testing a client for malaria

03. Hon Sarah Opendi speaking at the World Malaria Day commemoration