U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp marked World Malaria Day on Thursday, April 25, 2024, with a visit to the Namutumba District in Uganda, underscoring the United States’ commitment to combat malaria and improve health outcomes in partnership with local communities and organizations.
Joined by local council and district leaders, community members of Itonko village, Namutumba Town Council, and representatives from organizations such as the Executive Director and staff of HOLD-Uganda and the Chief of Party and staff of JSI, Ambassador Popp delivered remarks highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to eliminate malaria.
In his address, Ambassador Popp emphasized the significant role played by the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the Global Fund in scaling up proven interventions to save lives and prevent and treat millions of malaria cases each year. He commended the dedication and hard work of community-based partners like HOLD and JSI in the fight against malaria and its effects.
Reflecting on the theme of “Saying No to Malaria Deaths,” Ambassador Popp urged attendees to reflect on the progress made and to recommit to actions aimed at reducing malaria deaths and eliminating malaria as a public health threat.
The event also showcased the impactful work of Peace Corps Volunteers, including Ainsley Stevenson and Samantha Kurtz, who have been actively engaged in education, health, and agribusiness initiatives across Uganda. Demonstrations of malaria prevention programs, such as the Malaria Grassroot Soccer Skillz program and the Household Action Against Malaria model, highlighted the innovative approaches being employed to engage communities in malaria prevention efforts.
The U.S. Mission Uganda has been a key partner in providing technical and financial assistance to Uganda’s malaria control efforts. Through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative and USAID in Uganda, it has supported the training of 4,000 Ugandans in indoor residual spraying, protected 3.2 million residents in 770,000 houses from malaria with the distribution of 2.5 million mosquito nets and supplied 5 million testing and treatment kits to health facilities. These efforts have led to a significant reduction in malaria cases and deaths.
Ambassador Popp’s visit underscored the U.S. government’s steadfast support for Uganda’s malaria control efforts, which include training healthcare workers, distributing mosquito nets, and supplying testing and treatment kits to health facilities. These efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in malaria cases and deaths, but the Ambassador emphasized the need for continued collaboration and investment to achieve the goal of a malaria-free Uganda.
As World Malaria Day served as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges ahead, Ambassador Popp concluded by expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and partnership extended by the Ugandan people, and encouraged all to celebrate accomplishments while renewing their commitment to ending the threat of malaria.