Church To Fight Against Malaria

The church of Uganda has joined in the fight against malaria with emphasis on children, reports Jovita Ajuna. training of the laity in controlling malaria has been going on since October last year and was concluded at St James Archdeaconary Mengo, Kisenyi, Kampala.Moses Matovu, the acting health secretary, said the training was to educate and sensitise the laity about HIV/AIDS and malaria.He said when the clergy go to the pulpit to talk about God, they will also talk about malaria. The church will provide subsidised mosquito nets.“The trainees will assist the community to eradicate mosquito breeding places in their environment,” Matovu said.“Children in this campaign have a role to play especially in the child to child sensitisation programme in Sunday schools. They will be taught to help their parents with cleaning, sweeping, clearing empty tins, polythene bags and stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding near their homes,” he added.He said they would sensitise the public on the advantages of using mosquito nets to prevent malaria.“The children will cut grass in people’s home as part of the activities done on the days they meet,” Matovu said.He said Kisenyi is swampy and a good habitat for mosquitoes and residents risked contracting malaria.Ends