Uganda is reassessing its malaria control strategy, placing stronger emphasis on long-term and sustainable interventions such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and larviciding, as the country continues to battle one of the world’s highest malaria burdens.
Speaking after a meeting with development partners in Kampala, Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine said the revised approach prioritises sustainability, digitisation, and stronger community health systems.
Moving Beyond Nets
While Uganda has conducted several nationwide distributions of insecticide-treated mosquito nets over the past decade, health officials say concerns over durability, correct usage, and rising insecticide resistance require a rethink of long-term effectiveness.
Dr. Atwine noted that IRS and larviciding have shown more sustained impact in high-burden districts when implemented consistently over several years.
Malaria’s Heavy Toll
Malaria remains the country’s leading cause of illness and death, particularly among children under five and pregnant women. Estimates indicate:
12–13 million cases annually
Up to 40% of outpatient visits
Around 20% of hospital admissions
8–10% of all deaths nationwide
Transmission occurs year-round, especially in northern and eastern regions.
Strengthening Community Health
The ministry is also expanding the role of community health workers in early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Officials are encouraging development partners to support integrated approaches combining vector control, environmental management, and primary healthcare strengthening.
Preparing for the Next Health Shift
Beyond malaria, Uganda is preparing for a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions. Health authorities warn these could become the country’s “next epidemic” if preventive measures are not scaled up.
Digitisation of human resources, medicine supply chains, and patient records has been identified as a key reform pillar to improve efficiency and service delivery.
The strategy shift signals Uganda’s move toward more durable, systems-based health interventions aimed at reducing malaria’s long-standing impact while preparing for emerging public health challenges.
