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The United States -U.S. Mission Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to support Ugandans in the fight against malaria.

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, causing illness and death, particularly among children and pregnant women.

On Thursday, April, 25th 2024, the US mission in Kampala gave assurance of continued partnerships to fight malaria.

Launched in 2005, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) supports the implementation of malaria prevention and treatment measures as well as cross-cutting interventions.

PMI’s 2021-2026 strategy titled “End Malaria Faster” envisions a world free of malaria to prevent malaria cases, reduce malaria deaths and illness, and eliminate malaria in PMI partner countries.

"Through the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) and other collaborations, we are working closely with local partners to eliminate malaria and improve health outcomes, " states the statement issued on Thursday to commemorate  World Malaria Day:

Earlier in the day, William W. Popp, the United States ambassador attended World Malaria Day events in Namutumba District to highlight U.S. government investments in malaria prevention and response. 

The embassy release indicates that this work is implemented by the U.S. Peace Corps and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through partners Holistic Initiative to Community Development (HOLD) and John Snow Inc. (JSI).

Working through host organizations, Peace Corps Volunteers reach vulnerable households through evidence-based interventions.

During his recent field visits across Uganda, Ambassador Popp has engaged with community leaders, healthcare workers, and residents to discuss the challenges of malaria control and explore innovative solutions. 

His office reported that he has observed firsthand the impact of U.S.-funded initiatives, such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and the provision of life-saving treatments and diagnostics.

U.S. Mission Uganda has been a key partner in providing technical and financial assistance to Uganda's malaria control efforts.

Through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative and USAID in Uganda, the mission has carried out several interventions which include: supporting the training of 4,000 Ugandans, indoor residual spraying, distributing 2.5 million mosquito nets to residents in 770,000 houses and supplying 5 million testing and treatment kits to health facilities.

"These efforts have led to a significant reduction in malaria cases and deaths.

This World Malaria Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we have made together and to recommit to the actions needed to reduce malaria deaths and eliminate malaria as a public health threat, states the release from the mission in Kampala.

Malaria at a glance

A recent survey in the country showed that a total of 91, 968 malaria cases and 22 malaria deaths were reported at health facilities across the country between April 1 to April 7, this year, according to the Ministry of Health, Uganda Weekly Malaria Report, dubbed EPI week 14. 

Districts with the highest malaria cases in the same week were listed as : 

Kibuku with 3, 153,

Pader with 2846

Iganga 2, 256

Kampala at 2, 086

Yumbe with 1,999

 Lamwo 1, 913

Oyam with 1,858

 Budaka 1,845 

Mayuge 1802 

Wakiso 1, 785.