The Government of Uganda has made significant improvement in the fight against Malaria in the last decade.
This was the statement made by the State Minister of Health Hon. Dr Joyce Kaducu while addressing the journalists at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala.
She underscored that the Malaria prevalence has significantly reduced from 42% in 2009 to 19% in 2014 and now to 9.2% in according to the Malaria Indicator Survey, 2018/19.
“It is because the Ministry of Health (MoH) is dedicated to ensuring that Malaria is addressed at all levels using all available means. Maximum impact on malaria can only be achieved through focusing on the integration of the most effective prevention and treatment tools.” The Minister said.
However, despite the above improvements, Malaria is still a disease of major concern but globally primed for elimination.
In Uganda alone, Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and accounts for over 30% of outpatient visits and 20% of hospital admissions.
“Everyone in Uganda is at risk of malaria, although pregnant women and children under five years are mostly affected. It is therefore against the above background that the Government of Uganda is conducting the third Universal Coverage Campaign for the distribution of mosquito nets. The campaign dubbed ‘Under the Net’will see the distribution of 27.5 million Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) throughout the country. She added.