The Government through the Ministry of Health in partnership with the National Malaria Consortium is implementing a $41.4M Malaria control program code named Malaria Action Program for Districts (MAPD).
The Project funded by USAID Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and UKAID targets 45 districts that include Hoima, Kabarole, Kasese, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Ntoroko, Kiryandongo, Kibaale, Bulisa, Kyankwanzi, Masindi, Mubende, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Mukono, Kampala, Kayunga, Arua, Adjumani, Zombo, Yumbe among others.
According to Dr. Jane Nabakoba from the Ministry of Health, 36 districts have been prone to the malaria epidemic before 15 new ones were added in the last six months.
Dr. Nabakoba says malaria contributes highest to the country’s mortality rate, while Uganda is ranked 3rd globally in the malaria prevalence.
Speaking to the district leaders of Kabarole at Kitumba district headquarters on Friday about the program implementation, Dr. Nabakoba asked them to emphasize testing before treatment and proper utilization of mosquito nets for malaria to be history by 2040.
She noted for instance that an assessment report indicated that of the mosquito nets that were distributed in 2013/14, only 40% were utilized.
Chris M Rwabwogo, the program Regional Coordinator says the 5 year program targets 13million people, (37% of Uganda’s population) and that they have put in place a strong communication strategy to change people’s attitudes towards utilization of mosquito nets.
He identified the main areas of implementation as effective malaria prevention, malaria diagnosis, treatment and capacity building of health staff and leaders for management and sustainability of the project.