MPs call for stronger malaria response as infections climb among schoolchildren
Kaluya urged the ministries of health and education to improve malaria case management in schools by ensuring that learning institutions are equipped to respond to infections.
health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi said the ministry is aware of the current surge in malaria infections. (Photo by Maria Wamala)
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Members of Parliament have called for strengthened malaria prevention and case management in schools and communities following concerns over the rising burden of malaria among children below the age of 15 years.
The appeal was made during the House sitting on July 14, 2026, after Andrew Kaluya (Kigulu County South, NUP) raised a matter of national importance on the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum, the dominant malaria parasite in Uganda, which he said continues to affect school-going children and communities.
Kaluya urged the ministries of health and education to improve malaria case management in schools by ensuring that learning institutions are equipped to respond to infections.
"Schools are not handling the issue of treatment very well. I implore the Ministry of Health, together with the Ministry of Education, to ensure that schools have proper sick bays and nurses to manage cases of malaria appropriately. Parents should also advise schools about the health conditions of their children," Kaluya said.
Responding to the concerns, health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi acknowledged that malaria remains one of Uganda’s leading public health challenges despite progress made in reducing infections.
"The concerns he is raising are real. Malaria remains a major contributor to the national burden of disease in Uganda. Uganda ranks among the countries with the highest malaria burden globally. We have undertaken many interventions, but the challenge remains," Baryomunsi said.
He told Parliament that parasite prevalence had declined from 43 percent in 2009 to 13 percent, reflecting the impact of Government malaria control interventions.
Baryomunsi noted that Uganda experiences seasonal increases in malaria cases between May and July and again from September to November.
He added that the National Malaria Control Programme, working together with the School Health Programme, had intensified interventions targeting schools.
"Our malaria control programme, working with the School Health Programme, has mounted a major response targeting schools. Because this is a serious issue, I have instructed the team at the ministry to work around the clock. I will present a comprehensive statement to Parliament outlining the interventions we are undertaking," Baryomunsi said.
The minister said the Ministry of Health has partnered with organisations, including Pilgrim Africa, to implement the School Malaria Project, which involves targeted indoor residual spraying of classrooms and dormitories in districts with a high malaria burden.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa called on Members of Parliament to support efforts to raise awareness about malaria prevention by participating in the Parliamentary Malaria Walk scheduled for later this month.
"I encourage you to come out in big numbers because we will be joined by civil society organisations, the diplomatic community and health practitioners to create awareness on how Ugandans can prevent malaria," Tayebwa said.