The Ministry of Health has launched its pioneering anti-malaria campaign named “Malaria is a Thief”.
Aimed at reaching families, particularly caregivers, the campaign emphasizes speaks of malaria can rob families of cherished moments, children of school days, and ultimately, life itself.
“Despite numerous interventions, the efforts have often been fragmented. It’s crucial for all stakeholders to work in tandem to bolster the fight against this preventable and treatable disease. Our aim is not just to control, but to eliminate malaria. With the ‘Malaria is a Thief’ campaign, we’re seeking a more unified and directional approach, leveraging radio, TV, and digital platforms for maximum reach,” said Dr.Jimmy Opigo, the program manager of the National Malaria Control Division.
According to officials, the campaign underscores the importance of preventive measures, like sleeping under mosquito nets, and aims to bridge gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria prevention and control.
With a national target to slash malaria prevalence to a mere 7%, this campaign is said not to just be about raising awareness but safeguarding the future of Uganda.
Uganda ranks 3rd highest in global malaria cases, accounting for a significant 5% of cases and 7th in malaria-related deaths at 3%.
With a haunting 23.7% of all malaria cases in East and Southern Africa originating from Uganda, the urgency of this issue cannot be stressed enough.
Despite commendable efforts between 2017 and 2018 that saw a reduction of 1.5 million cases (an 11% decline), malaria continues to take a toll, especially on children.
As per the Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2016, staggering prevalence rates among children aged 0-59 months have been recorded in regions like Karamojong (70.5%), Acholi (62.2%), and Lango (62.8%).