Jinja: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has ranked Busoga, Bunyoro, and West Nile subregions among the leading areas with the highest malaria-related deaths. Together, these subregions contribute 11% each to the 60% of malaria deaths in Uganda.
Uganda is the third-highest contributor to global malaria cases, accounting for 5.1% of cases in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
During an orientation meeting for Busoga cultural leaders at the Source of the Nile Hotel on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Ms. Elizabeth Kaijuka, a public health officer with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), stated that malaria is responsible for 33% of outpatient department (OPD) visits, 22% of hospitalizations, and 11% of deaths at health facilities across the country.
“Of all deaths among children under five years, malaria is the leading cause. Out of every 100 children who die, malaria is the cause,” Ms. Kaijuka said.
Hoima District recorded the highest number of malaria-related deaths with 135, followed by Mbale with 107, Nebbi with 104, Kabarole with 94, Kampala with 92, Jinja with 77, Gulu with 69, Mubende with 64, Kyenjojo with 64, Kamuli with 63, Masaka with 62, Kitgum with 60, Lira with 58, Kasese with 54, and Iganga with 46 cases.
According to Ms. Kaijuka, it is estimated that a family spends around US$9, or 3% of their annual household income, on each malaria episode. The Ministry of Health, however, has introduced a new malaria vaccine to combat the mosquito-transmitted disease in the country.
Ms. Jolly Twongyirwe, a communications officer at the Ministry of Health, told the media that the malaria vaccine will be rolled out in April 2025 across 105 districts.
“The vaccine will be provided at all government facilities that offer immunization services,” Ms. Twongyirwe said.
Jinja, Iganga, Kaliro, Luuka, Mayuge, Bugiri, Bugweri, Namutumba, Kamuli, and Buyende districts will be prioritized for vaccine distribution due to their high malaria prevalence.
Ms. Twongyirwe explained that the meeting with cultural leaders aimed to strategize mobilization efforts to promote immunization and vaccination within the communities.
Organized by the Busoga Health Forum in collaboration with PATH, a global health organization, the event attracted royal chiefs, princes, princesses, and youth leaders from across the chiefdoms of Busoga Kingdom.
“We are mobilizing support and equipping these cultural leaders with the information they need to take back to their communities. We really want this message to reach people and ensure they understand the introduction of the malaria vaccine,” she said.
The malaria vaccine will serve as an additional tool in the fight against malaria, complementing government efforts in case management, the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women (IPTp), and indoor residual spraying, among other initiatives.
Ms. Twongyirwe emphasized, “We know that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent killer diseases.”
The R21 vaccine is the preferred choice for Uganda. It is administered via injection on the left upper thigh, and children aged 6 to 12 months are the target group for the vaccine, according to Ms. Kaijuka.
“A child will receive four doses of the malaria vaccine, starting at six months, then at seven, eight, and 18 months. Completing all four doses provides the best protection,” she advised.
Recommended by the WHO, the malaria vaccine has been shown to reduce malaria episodes in children. If a child is not fully vaccinated, they face a higher risk of developing severe malaria and potentially dying from the disease when exposed to mosquito bites.
Common side effects following the malaria vaccination include fever, irritability, pain and swelling at the injection site. Ms. Kaijuka urged that any side effects be reported to health workers, who will pass the information on to the district and the Ministry of Health for follow-up and treatment.
Betty Namaganda, a youth minister in Bugweri Chiefdom, highlighted difficulties faced by mothers in accessing vaccines at health facilities, particularly for the last doses.
“You go to a health facility, and they tell you to come back tomorrow. Then tomorrow, they say the same thing. If a mother is not patient, she might not return,” Namaganda said, calling on the Ministry of Health to ensure the vaccine is more readily available.
Dr. Betty Mirembe Kunya, PATH Country Director, encouraged cultural leaders to be at the forefront of mobilizing the masses not only for malaria but also for other vaccination campaigns, such as measles.
Abel Kibedi, the Isabalangira of Bugweri Chiefdom, emphasized the importance of media messages being localized in languages commonly spoken and understood by the target audience.
“The people will understand their own language. These English and Luganda adverts on radio and television will not reach the local Basoga. We need to localize the language,” Kibedi said.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to reducing malaria and measles deaths in Busoga and across the country.
