Serere District Local Government is actively engaged in a comprehensive initiative known as the District Led Malaria Response Survey, with the primary objective of reducing the prevalence of malaria infections within the district’s communities.
Commencing in early October 2023, this survey is led by the Ministry of Health and is slated to conclude in November.
The genesis of this survey can be attributed to the persistent burden of malaria within the district, despite numerous government interventions, such as the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) campaigns to combat the disease.
Dr. Daniel Ogwal, the Acting District Health Officer of Serere, has reported that an alarming six out of every ten patients tested for malaria across most health facilities in the district yield positive results.
Dr. Ogwal explained that the survey will encompass the examination of the 30 most severely affected villages spread across six sub-counties within the district. In addition to this, the survey team will conduct environmental assessments within these selected villages.
They will also carry out testing and treatment for individuals infected with malaria to gain a deeper understanding of why the disease persists in the district.
Dr. Ogwal noted that preliminary findings have suggested that some individuals infected with malaria resort to self-medication rather than seeking proper medical attention when they fall ill.
Nonetheless, he highlighted that, while the malaria burden is substantial in the district, the number of reported deaths directly related to malaria remains relatively low.
In June 2023, Serere District received a fresh supply of treated mosquito nets. The district, with a population exceeding 450,000, has undergone at least three rounds of Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) campaigns, supported by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The district’s proximity to Lake Kyoga, whose banks have recurrently experienced flooding, has created favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.
The District Led Malaria Response Survey follows a prior assessment conducted by scientists in 2021 to identify the factors contributing to the high prevalence of malaria in Serere district.
It’s worth noting that, according to a May 2023 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda exhibits the highest malaria incidence rate globally, with 478 cases per 1,000 people annually.
Malaria is also the leading cause of illness and mortality in the country, accounting for up to 40 percent of all outpatient visits, 25 percent of hospital admissions, and 14 percent of all hospital deaths.