Uganda today joins the rest of the world in commemoration of World Malaria day. Today’s events are being held in Mpigi District. The day is commemorated every year on April 25th.
The day is commemorated under the theme; “my mosquito net my night time weapon.”
According to the health ministry PRO Vivian Sserwanja, Mpigi was chosen to host the events due to its performance in the fight against malaria.
“The choice of Mpigi district was informed by the fact that this district performed really well in the fight against malaria specifically with the use of ACTs which are the recommended treatment for malaria and we thought as the ministry and government that this will propel other districts to do the same” Vivian said.
She further explains that the ministry is carrying out a series of activities to commemorate the day including; Medical camps, free malaria testing and treatment at Mpigi grounds, Blood donation mobilization in communities and schools, and exhibitions of different strategies used by the health ministry and partner organizations.
The ministry in its message calls upon Ugandans to keep fighting malaria to the very end, with emphasis on sleeping under a treated mosquito net, clear bushes and stagnant water near their homes among others.
Government recently concluded distribution of 27 million free treated mosquito nets to all Ugandans of every age group. The president also recently pledged to fight the most killer disease in Uganda.
Malaria is the lead cause of death in Uganda, accounting for at least 27% of deaths every year. 50% of these deaths are among children below 5 years.
Ugandans however are hell bent on self-medication, while others share with family members for failure to afford medication. This has been strongly discouraged by doctors.
Under the new Mass fight against malaria launched by the president recently, ministry teams will move in communities teaching people how to use nets and prevent malaria, and sensitize them on the use of ACTs which are now at as low as 4,000 Shillings.
