Kampala – 18 April 2024 – According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Uganda has the world’s highest malaria incidence rate of 478 cases per 1,000 population per year. It is also the leading cause of sickness and death in Uganda and is responsible for up to 40% of all outpatient visits, 25% of hospital admissions and 14% of all hospital deaths.

As part of the activities to mark World Malaria Day 2024, the Ministry of Health convened experts in Malaria Control, Policy Makers and Researchers at a Scientific Colloquium held under the theme “Say no to Malaria Deaths.” The aim of the Colloquium is to rally stakeholders and communities in a concerted effort to combat the scourge of Malaria.

Addressing the enthusiastic malaria experts, the Vice President of the Republic Of Uganda, Rt. Major Jessica Alupo re-echoed the Government’s unwavering commitment to the fight against Malaria alluding to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) target of achieving a malaria-free Uganda by 2030.

Alupo added that World Malaria Day is an ardent reminder that as a country we still need to work hard to eliminate Malaria the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the country. “In the NRM manifesto 2021-2026, we committed to protecting Ugandans against Malaria through appropriate vector control and prevention measures such as carrying out intermittent preventive treatment during the national malaria days twice a year.”

According to the Minister of State for Health in charge of General Duties, Hon. Anifa Kawooya, World Malaria Day is an opportunity for all leaders, policymakers and the general public to raise awareness about the still-existing dangers of malaria and the need for appropriate approaches to mitigate this killer disease. “Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Uganda, but through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, we are making progress in our fight against the disease, on this World Malaria Day, we renew our commitment to achieving a malaria-free Uganda and call upon all stakeholders to join us in this critical endeavour” she said.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine re-emphasised the need to use scientific-based evidence and research in malaria control interventions. Dr Atwine noted that this would reduce the country’s expenditure per capita on malaria prevention and treatment. Let this scientific colloquium be an opportunity to interrogate evidence-based science and include it in our work plans so that it helps us to deal with the most devastating disease in our country” she added.

Speaking on behalf of WHO, the country representative Dr Yonus Tegegn Woldemariam thanked Uganda and the Ministry of Health for prioritising Malaria control and keeping it on top of the political agenda. “Allow me to mention that the global focus of this year’s World Malaria Day hinges on accelerating the fight against Malaria for a more equitable world, it highlights the critical importance of advancing health equity, gender equality and human rights in malaria responses worldwide” he said.

The World Malaria Day 2024 scientific colloquium provided an opportunity for reflection, action, and solidarity in Uganda’s fight against malaria. By working together and harnessing the collective power of all stakeholders, Uganda aims to accelerate progress towards a malaria-free future, ensuring better health and well-being for all its citizens.

The day climaxed with the awarding outstanding front liners in the fight against Malaria whose efforts have greatly impacted malaria control in Uganda. The late General Elly Tumwine and Dr. Diana Atwine were among the awarded.

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Malaria control efforts, including increasing access to quality healthcare services, scaling up vector control interventions, and promoting research and innovation in Malaria prevention and treatment.