By KT Reporter
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Acholi Cultural Institution (Ker Kwaro Acholi) to strengthen the fight against malaria in the Acholi sub-region, one of the areas in Uganda with the highest malaria burden.
According to Michael Otim, the Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi, the partnership will see cultural leaders work alongside the Ministry of Health to mobilize and sensitize communities about malaria prevention, vaccination, and treatment. Malaria remains a serious health threat in the region.
Elvis Okello Romanson, a biostatistician in the Gulu District Health Department, revealed that in 2024, malaria was the leading cause of morbidity in the Acholi sub-region, contributing to 43.2% of illnesses among children under five and 40.8% among individuals over five years old.
He added that 44.9% of children under five who contracted malaria died, along with 43% of older patients. Speaking during a training session for Acholi chiefs at the palace of the Paramount Chief in Gulu City, Dr. George Upenytho, the Commissioner for Community Health Services at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the critical role of cultural leaders in disease prevention.
“Knowledge is power. If you know how to protect yourself against malaria, you won’t need external intervention,” said Dr. Upenytho. He explained that community empowerment is key, particularly now as global funding for malaria programs, especially from the United States, is reducing. Dr. Upenytho further noted that malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda, responsible for 33% of all outpatient visits, 22% of hospital admissions, and 6% of all deaths, according to 2023 WHO data.
He revealed that children under five are most vulnerable, accounting for more than 75% of malaria deaths globally. In 2023 alone, malaria caused an estimated 597,000 deaths worldwide, including 432,000 child deaths in Africa. Uganda remains among the top five African countries with the highest malaria burden, alongside Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.
To combat the disease, the Ministry of Health, with support from partners, has distributed 2.278 million doses of the new malaria vaccine to 105 districts with high and moderate transmission rates across Uganda. Cultural leaders, including those from Acholi, have been trained by health experts on the benefits of the new vaccine and are tasked with mobilizing communities to embrace immunization. Dr. Upenytho highlighted that cultural and opinion leaders are vital players in community mobilization, noting that the Ministry has also signed agreements with various kingdoms and chiefdoms to support wider health campaigns, starting with malaria.
Michael Okumu, Deputy Prime Minister of the Acholi Cultural Institution, reiterated the commitment of the institution to the malaria fight. He said chiefs will move to the grassroots to educate the population about malaria prevention measures, the importance of vaccinations, and healthy living. Okumu also disclosed that malaria information materials will be translated into the Acholi language for wider reach and integrated into community events such as the annual cultural festival.
Rwot David Onen Acana, the Paramount Chief of the Acholi, praised the government for involving cultural leaders, stressing that health is a collective responsibility that begins with the individual. “You should know that as you live, you are in charge of your health. We always wait for signs and symptoms before seeking treatment, yet prevention and early action are critical,” Rwot Acana said.
He urged the chiefs to promote regular medical check-ups, healthy eating, and to fight misinformation, especially regarding vaccinations. “Health is not just about medicine; it is also about good nutrition,” said Rwot Acana, warning that during election periods, some politicians may spread false claims about vaccines.
“The government cannot kill its own people because the population is its resource,” he emphasized. Through this partnership, the Ministry of Health and Ker Kwaro Acholi hope to create a more empowered and healthier Acholi sub-region by addressing malaria through vaccination, education, and improved community practices-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
