By KT Reporter
The government, in collaboration with Pilgrim Africa, has launched an indoor residual spraying initiative in Amuria District to combat malaria in schools.
A recent study revealed that 7 out of every 10 individuals tested positive for malaria in the district, indicating a higher prevalence compared to other diseases.
The project is designed to benefit over 75 schools in Amuria District, providing protection for learners against malaria over the course of one year.
Dr. Yeka Adoke, a board member of Pilgrim Africa, said that the initiative will not only focus on spraying but also include innovative research on malaria control interventions, indoor residual spraying techniques, and the development of new chemicals to combat malaria.
Dr. Godfrey Opolot, the District Health Officer (DHO) for Amuria, noted that the region has a high malaria positivity rate, with 40% of cases in the district attributed to malaria. This initiative marks the first of its kind in Amuria and is expected to significantly reduce malaria cases among school-aged children.
Dr. Opolot said that the program will help reduce the incidence of malaria among children in the district.
Santa Okot, Member of Parliament for Aruu North County and a member of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Malaria (UPFM), stressed the government’s commitment to eradicating malaria.
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Moses Emabu, the LCV Chairperson for Amuria, echoed the concerns about the high malaria cases in the district, linking the disease to a rise in miscarriages observed in local facilities.
Jimmy Opigo, the Assistant Commissioner for Malaria Control at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the government is prepared to implement similar programs across all districts in Uganda but is currently focusing on the most affected areas-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
