Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region recorded zero malaria-related deaths during epidemiological week 17 despite a malaria outbreak that pushed infections above epidemic thresholds, according to a new surveillance bulletin from the Moroto Regional Referral Hospital Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
The bulletin, covering April 20–26, reported 8,500 malaria cases across the region, down slightly from 9,810 cases recorded the previous week.
Health officials said the region remained in an outbreak phase after malaria cases exceeded the upper epidemic threshold.
“In Week 17 of 2026, reported malaria cases slightly decreased from 9,810 to 8,500 with cases exceeding the upper epidemic threshold resulting surge and early outbreak in the region,” the report stated.
Despite the surge, no malaria-related deaths were recorded anywhere in the region during the reporting week, a development health officials say points to improvements in case detection and treatment.
The malaria test positivity rate rose sharply from 27% in week 16 to 38% in week 17, indicating intensified transmission across the sub-region.
Abim district registered the highest positivity rate at 58%, followed by Nakapiripirit at 49% and Kaabong at 45%. Karenga district recorded the lowest positivity rate at 17%.
The report warned that the rising positivity rates underscored “the need for continued enhanced surveillance” and stronger prevention measures, including vector control, community sensitization and adequate supplies of diagnostics and antimalarial medicines.
Regional health authorities said malaria surveillance and response activities were ongoing as officials worked to prevent further escalation of the outbreak.
