Maracha district has turned to primary schools to help educate community members about the importance of preventing malaria,” in response to an increase in malaria cases in the lower part of the district, particularly in Tara, Agira, Yivu, and Alikua sub-counties, with the majority of cases affecting children under five and expectant mothers, according to records from Maracha District Health Department.
The malaria prevention awareness campaign, co-led by the Health and Education departments of the district, is focused on all primary school students.
As part of this initiative, students will be instructed on preventive measures against malaria, with the expectation that they will share this knowledge with their families and the broader community.
Henry Aniku, the Maracha District Sports Officer, explained that this shift is based on recent survey findings showing a high prevalence of malaria, especially in the lower areas of the district.
He further stressed that involving students is beneficial as they hail from the affected communities and can play a pivotal role in mobilizing their peers and parents about the importance of preventing malaria.
According to the Ministry of Health’s Weekly Malaria Report from September 4th to September 10th, 2023, the West Nile region had the highest recorded cases of malaria at 16.7%, followed by Acholi at 15.8% and Busoga at 12.2%.
Meanwhile, Richard Adiba, the Maracha District Malaria Focal Point person and Principal Health Inspector, urges the community to take the lead in the fight against malaria, emphasizing that it is a preventable disease.
Malaria remains a significant cause of mortality in the West Nile sub-region, especially among children under five and pregnant mothers. Last month, Maracha District reported one malaria-related death at Kijomoro Health Center III, as per information from the Health Department.