Malaria continues to pose a major threat in Katakwi and Kapelebyong districts, despite government efforts to distribute treated mosquito nets nationwide as a preventive measure.
According to Christine Atim, Assistant Health Officer for Katakwi District, malaria remains the leading cause of illness in the area, with nearly half of all patients visiting health facilities testing positive.
“Out of every ten patients received at OPDs and tested for malaria, five to six turn out positive,” Atim said. She noted that children under five and pregnant women are the most affected groups and urged communities to take preventive steps such as clearing bushes and draining stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
Atim also appealed to the government to continue universal mosquito net distribution, saying the nets given out in 2023 have already worn out.
Village Health Team members at Alito Health Centre III in Kapelebyong District—Vickey Adong, Racheal Makadi, and Simon Okello—echoed the call for mass net distribution, particularly to protect pregnant women and children.
During the recent launch of a biolarvicide program in Katakwi, Dr. Alfred Mubangizi, Assistant Commissioner for Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, emphasized government’s commitment to malaria prevention.
“Malaria continues to cause suffering, income loss, disabilities, and even death, yet it is preventable,” Mubangizi said. He stressed that mosquito control is crucial and highlighted larviciding as a promising technique to stop breeding before mosquitoes develop into adult vectors. He also encouraged the public to test before treatment, in line with government policy.
Uganda remains committed to malaria elimination in line with Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV.
