Concern as malaria cases overwhelm Kasese hospitals
A VHTs member showcase on how to go about with mosquito net during community sensitization on its usage on March 17, 2025. Photo | Patrick Okaba.
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Dr Amon Bwambale, the district health officer, revealed that of the 40,000 patients treated in the previous quarter (December to February), about 40 percent were diagnosed with malaria
Health experts in Kasese District have raised alarm over the high prevalence of malaria, which accounts for 40 percent of hospital cases, with children under five being the most affected.
Dr Amon Bwambale, the district health officer, revealed that of the 40,000 patients treated in the previous quarter (December to February), about 40 percent were diagnosed with malaria.
“Malaria is still a significant challenge, not just in Kasese but in Uganda as a whole. In our previous quarter, 40 percent of the patients were diagnosed had malaria, which is alarmingly high, particularly for young children,” Dr Bwambale said.
“The most affected group were children under five years old, and at that age, malaria poses a serious risk to their health,”he added.
Dr Bwambale attributed the high prevalence to Kasese’s geographical features. “Kasese is known for its numerous water bodies, making it an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. We are surrounded by swamps, rivers, and thick vegetation, which makes mosquito control a challenge. This means it is everyone’s responsibility to keep their homesteads clean to minimise mosquito breeding,” he said.
Dr Bwambale also expressed concern over the misuse of treated mosquito nets.
“Studies indicate that between 78 percent and 98 percent of people received mosquito nets, yet only about 35 percent use them properly. The government has played its part by distributing insecticide-treated nets, and we commend these efforts,”he said.
“However, it is disappointing that some people misuse them. Instead of sleeping under the nets, they use them to shelter poultry, fence kitchen gardens, tie their goats, and even for fishing, which is unacceptable,”he added.
In response, Dr Richard Mugahi, the commissioner for maternal and child health at the Ministry of Health, announced the roll-out of a malaria vaccination programme next month, targeting children aged six to 18 months.
“Malaria has now been added to the list of immunisable diseases, which previously included only six but have now expanded to 14,”Dr Mugahi stated.
He emphasised the impact of malaria on public health and the economy.
“Malaria accounts for 40 percent of all illnesses reported at health facilities nationwide. It also takes a heavy toll on the economy, as treatment costs range from Shs150,000 and beyond per dose which is a significant burden for many families,” he said.
Dr Mugahi further highlighted the government’s commitment to achieving a malaria-free Uganda by 2030. “As a government, the primary focus is now on vaccination programmes of children between six and 18 months, as they are most vulnerable due to their low immunity,” he said.
Mr Benson Kule Baritazale, the deputy prime minister of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, welcomed the vaccination programme.
“We will ensure that this information reaches the grassroots level so that our people fully understand the importance of vaccination,”he said. He emphasised the broader impact of malaria on socio-economic development.
DISEASE BURDEN
Malaria remains the leading cause of death among children under five in Uganda, making the country the third-highest contributor to malaria cases globally at 5.1 percent and the eighth-highest contributor to malaria-related deaths at 3.2 percent.
