Gov’t Still Committed to Reducing the Malaria Burden Despite COVID-19 – Minister Kaducu
Reports from the Ministry of Health indicate that malaria is the leading condition among all Out Patient Diagnoses for all ages. It accounts for 29.8% of all OPD attendances followed by pneumonia (cough or cold) at 18.1% urinary tract infections and intestinal worms at 4.7%.
As such, while addressing the press at Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for health in charge of Primary Health Care, reassured of government’s commitment to fighting and reducing the malaria burden in the country.
“The number of malaria cases increased by 42% from 10,483,412 in 2018/19 to 14,904,773 in 2019/20. Up to 93% of the patients diagnosed with malaria were laboratory confirmed and ACTs (artemisinin-based combination therapy) were largely available for case management,” the Minister said.
She revealed that the country had registered a significant decline in the number of malaria cases in FY 2018/19 but also, there was a surge in 2019/2020 attributed to the heavy rains.
However, the ministry of health is still committed to end malaria in Uganda. Hon Kaducu said,
“Apart from the interventions to address the increased malaria cases, Ministry of Health is undertaking the 3rd Universal coverage to distribute Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets to all households across the country. So far, 92 districts have been covered in the 3 waves which commenced on August 2020,” Kaducu said.
She further noted that the government has prioritised the distribution of nets as one of the most cost effective preventative measures of malaria control.
“Other interventions include appropriate vector control and chemo prevention measures; at least 90% of malaria cases are appropriately managed in health facilities and in the communities; and communication to ensure behavioural change for malaria preventive practices, seeking treatment early and adherence to treatment using the Mass Action Against Malaria Approach,” she added.
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