By KT Reporter
Kapelebyong Health Centre IV in Kapelebyong District is currently overwhelmed by a surge in malaria cases, raising concern among health officials and community members. Statistics from the facility show that 28 percent of the 100 patients seen daily in the Outpatient Department (OPD) are diagnosed with malaria. This is a rise from the 26 percent recorded during the dry season.
Dr. Kenneth Okilan, the in-charge of the facility, noted that malaria is affecting all groups—children, adults, and expectant mothers alike. He attributed the increase in cases to the recent rains, which may have created more mosquito breeding grounds. In response, Dr. Okilan advised residents to adopt preventive measures such as clearing their compounds, draining stagnant water, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, and ensuring that children stay indoors early to avoid mosquito bites.
Patients and attendants at the health facility have called on the government to intervene. Kokas Ocepa, a resident of Apeduru Sub-County in Amuria District, said the rise in mosquito breeding sites has led to more cases of malaria in the community.
Loyce Amunyo, a resident of Odukul Village in Okoboi Sub-County and a mother whose child has been diagnosed with malaria multiple times, attributed the problem to their home’s proximity to a swamp. She also pointed out that many mosquito nets distributed by the government years ago are now worn out and torn, and most families cannot afford replacements.
Florence Ayago, a resident of Akoromit Sub-County, urged the government to increase the supply of malaria treatment drugs in public health facilities and to resume the distribution of mosquito nets.
Malaria continues to pose a significant public health threat in Uganda. Severe malaria accounts for 15–20 percent of hospital admissions and is the leading cause of death among children under five years. Uganda ranks eighth globally in malaria mortality, a burden largely attributed to poor treatment outcomes for severe cases-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
