Uganda nears eliminating malaria deaths as rates fall to historic lows

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OPINION

By Dr Mutegeki Michael

Uganda has achieved one of the fastest declines in malaria deaths in the world, cutting the estimated malaria death rate from 46 per 100,000 people at risk in 2015 to 35 per 100,000 in 2024, according to the 2025 World Malaria Report.

This impressive 24% reduction in just ten years represents Uganda’s strongest progress to date, moves the country out of the top eight contributors to global malaria deaths, and signals a major public health turning point.

Ministry of Health data show the same pattern of progress, with reported malaria deaths falling from 20 deaths per 100,000 people at risk in 2015 to 5.0 per 100,000 in 2024.

Regionally, the biggest improvements were seen in Acholi, Lango, and West Nile, with notable declines also recorded in Bukedi and Busoga. Meanwhile, Kampala, South Central, South Western, and Kigezi consistently reported the lowest numbers of malaria deaths throughout the period.

We attribute this improvement to the fact that people are now getting better malaria treatment at all levels of care. Effective medicines like Coartem are more accessible, and community health workers are quickly identifying malaria cases and guiding patients to seek care early.

In areas such as Karamoja, children are also receiving preventive malaria medicine during high-risk seasons. Pregnant women are getting stronger protection through regular preventive doses during their routine hospital visits.

These combined efforts have greatly benefited children under five, who are the most vulnerable and account for about 60% of all malaria deaths.

However, challenges still exist. Changes in weather patterns continue to trigger malaria spikes, mosquitoes and malaria parasites are becoming more resistant to some insecticides and medicines.

We also know that some malaria deaths in communities and private clinics are never reported because they are not entered into the national reporting system. To protect the progress made so far, Uganda must continue investing in strong monitoring, prevention, and timely treatment of malaria.

Uganda’s progress gives great hope. Reported Malaria deaths have dropped to fewer than 5 per 100,000 people, bringing the country closer than ever to stopping malaria deaths entirely.

If we keep moving in this direction, Uganda could almost eliminate malaria deaths within the next ten years. The Ministry of Health encourages everyone to sleep under mosquito nets, seek treatment as soon as they feel sick, and cooperate with health workers so that these achievements are not lost.

This success is more than a statistic; it reflects lives saved, families protected, and more joy in communities. With continued commitment, eliminating malaria deaths is no longer a dream; it is within reach.

The writer is a Field Epidemiology Fellow with the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health; hosted at National Malaria Elimination Division