Malaria reduced to 30% in Kole

By Patrick Okino

Residents of Alito sub county in Kole district have lauded the government for introducing indoor residual spraying, saying it has reduced malaria vectors entering houses or sleeping units.

They said cases of malaria in the area has gradually also been averted and people are no longer using mosquito insecticide treated nets.

Five sub counties which include Akalo, Alito, Ayer, Bala and Aboke had been sprayed with ficam insecticide. 

 “There is no mosquito and malaria cases have reduced. Even those using mosquito nets had removed them and turned into beds,” said Ketty Ogwang, a resident of Agoma village.  

Uganda has the World`s highest malaria incidence with a rate of 478 cases per 1,000 population per year.

Malaria is also the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Uganda and responsible for 40 percent outpatient visits. 

The overall malaria specific mortality is estimated to be between 70,000 and 100,000 according to the ministry of health.  

The United State Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting indoor residual spraying in Oyam, Apac and Kole districts. 

USAID support for malaria control in these areas also includes provision of long lasting insecticide treated nets.

Kole district director of health services Dr James Awanyo said the rate of malaria burden recorded at the health units has reduced from 50 percent to 30 percent as a result of indoor residual spraying.

“We want to conduct assessment to find out the impact on mortality and morbidity,” Awanyo told New Vision on Monday.