Recurrent malaria still a major challenge, experts warn
Recurrent malaria happens when parasites survive treatment and multiply again, or when a person contracts malaria again after recovering from an earlier infection.
Malaria remains one of Uganda’s leading causes of illness and death, killing at least 16 people every day, mostly children under five. (AFP/Getty Images)
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Health experts have warned that recurrent malaria remains a major challenge, with patients falling sick again either because malaria parasites survive treatment or because they are reinfected after clearing an earlier infection.
Recurrent malaria happens when parasites survive treatment and multiply again, or when a person contracts malaria again after recovering from an earlier infection.
"Severe malaria should be treated as an emergency,” said Dr Jane Achan, a senior scientist at the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration and a member of the World Health Organisation’s Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme.
Speaking in Kampala during World Mosquito Day commemorations on Thursday, she urged health workers to ensure patients are properly tested and receive the appropriate medicines promptly.
The event at Four Points by Sheraton was organised by C-Care Uganda as they celebrated their 30th anniversary of operations in Uganda.
Achan said appropriate diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing malaria from progressing to severe disease, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women.
She encouraged parents to ensure eligible children receive recommended malaria vaccines where they are available while continuing to use other proven prevention measures.
Additionally, malaria vaccination should complement, rather than replace, existing prevention interventions.
Malaria remains one of Uganda’s leading causes of illness and death, killing at least 16 people every day, mostly children under five.
Dr Catherine Maiteki Sebuguzi, the deputy programme manager at the National Malaria Elimination Division in the Ministry of Health, said sustained community involvement is essential if Uganda is to reduce malaria transmission and eventually eliminate the disease.
She urged communities to take greater responsibility for preventing mosquito breeding, including by improving hygiene and eliminating stagnant water and other breeding sites around homes and communities.
“Everyone has a role to play towards achieving a malaria-free Uganda,” she said.
Experts also stressed that preventing malaria requires a combination of interventions rather than relying on a single measure.
Sebuguzi said government is also considering stronger measures to protect school-going children from malaria following recent malaria-related deaths reported among pupils in both rural and urban schools.
She said discussions were still ongoing on how to strengthen policies and interventions targeting malaria prevention and treatment in schools.