MALARIA CASES RISE HAMPERING GOVERNMENTS EFFORTS TO END MALARIA BY 203O. -

By Otai James

According to WHO, Uganda has the world’s highest malaria incidence rate of 478 cases per 1,000 population per year

. It is also the leading cause of sickness and deaths in Uganda and is responsible for up to 40 percent of all outpatient visits, 25 percent of hospital admissions and 14 percent of all hospital death.

According to findings from the 2024/2025 Malaria Indicator Survey, the number of people contracting malaria has increased since the last national population census conducted in 2024, raising concerns among health officials.

The report indicates that the survey mainly focused on children aged between six months and 59 months, who are among the most vulnerable groups to malaria infection.

Findings show that 13 percent of the children tested were found to have malaria.

Government Pledges Stronger Action as Malaria Cases Persist in Uganda

The State Minister for Finance, Amos Lugoloobi,has revealed that the government will intensify efforts to investigate and address the remaining challenges hindering the complete elimination of malaria in Uganda.

Malaria remains one of the leading diseases claiming the lives of many Ugandans, despite ongoing interventions by the government and development partners to control its spread.

The report reveals that Household Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) against mosquitos in the past 12 months,

stands at 10%

the disease in Uganda.

Close to 90% of the respondents intimated that they got them from the mass distribution campaigns conducted in their areas. Other sources included Antenatal visits, community health workers, bought from a shop, Government health facilities, and schools among others.

On behalf of development partners, the World Health Organization Country Representative, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, together with a representative from the United States Embassy, reiterated their commitment t o continue supporting Uganda’s malaria control