Lira, 27th April 2016 - Uganda commemorated the 10th World Malaria Day 2016 at the Golf Course grounds in Lira District under the theme “End Malaria for Good”, calling on the communities to Test, Treat and Track malaria cases.  The choice of Lira district to host the commemorations was based on the fact Lira District is one of the 14 districts implementing Indoor residual Spraying (IRS) using carbamates; derived from carbamic acid and kill insects in a similar fashion as organophosphate insecticides.  However, in effort to manage insecticide resistance, another chemical, an organophosphate called ACTELIC was officially launched for use, replacing the carbamates.

Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye, the Minister of Health who also represented the Guest of Honor the Prime Minister of Uganda, said that Malaria is a problem that the government considers a priority, and is contained in the National Development Plan, and the strategic plan of the ministry of health. He further said that Malaria is a deadly but preventable and curable disease that ought to be addressed because it is the number one killer in children. He reiterated the need for integrated testing and treatment of diseases, including malaria at a household level.  Dr. Elioda thanked partners and civil society organisations for the support they continually accord to government to tackle malaria. 

The WHO Country Representative Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu represented by Dr. Miriam Nanyunja, the National Professional Officer for Disease Prevention and Control, commended the country for raising the profile of malaria control and general awareness about the disease noting that it is still a public health problem that needs more advocacy for increased resources and for redoubling of efforts at all levels. He highlighted the importance of the Global Technical strategy (GTS) which aims at reducing the malaria incidence globally by 40% in 2020, 75% in 2025 and 90% in 2030 and the Africa Malaria Strategy (2016-2030) that provides a regional platform to coordinate action towards a malaria-free Africa, with zero malaria cases and zero malaria deaths by 2030. Dr. Alemu committed the support of the WHO to government to tackle Malaria in Uganda and Africa as a whole.

The Director General of Health Services Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng noted and highlighted the progress made by all health facilities in performing Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDTs) and microscopy. She further said the coverage with Long lasting insecticidal Nets (one net per household) is at 90% and more nets will be distributed in August 2016. Dr. Aceng pointed out that increased surveillance, Behavioral Change Communication and Integrated Case Management are some of the strategies employed to address malaria. She also thanked partners for their technical and financial support.

At the function venue there was malaria testing and treatment, and exhibition by different partners and Civil Society Organizations and edutainment by various community drama groups and schools.

Prior to closure, the Minister of Health launched a new structure called the Constituency Health Task Force that is to be rolled out in all the political constituencies of the country. The mandate of the task force is to ensure delivery of quality health care across all levels of the health care system.

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For more information, please contact:

Mwebembezi Edmond, Public Information Officer, Tel: +256 414 335569, Cell: +256 782 962674

Email: mwebembezie [at] who.int

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Below:

01. A health worker testing a child for  Malaria at the World Malaria Day 2016 Commemorations in Lira district

02. Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye launches actelic in IRS in Lira district as partners, district and church leaders look on