Health 9 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Health Ministry Rolls Out 25.8 Million Mosquito Nets to Fight Malaria Surge
The Ministry of Health plans to distribute 25.8 million mosquito nets across 130 districts to combat rising malaria cases, starting with 4.8 million nets for 8.1 million people in 32 districts this month. Children under five bear the brunt of the disease, prompting urgent calls for proper usage amid misuse issues. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ministry-of-health-to-distribute-25-8-million-nets-to-curb-malaria-5418174
The Ugandan government is launching a major malaria prevention drive, distributing 4.8 million mosquito nets this month to reach 8.1 million residents in 32 districts. This forms part of a broader initiative to deliver 25.8 million nets nationwide across 130 districts, as announced by Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
Malaria remains a top health threat, with Uganda accounting for 4.7% of global cases and ranking third worldwide, per the 2024 World Malaria Report. In 2025, the country recorded 11.8 million cases and 2,342 deaths, 55% among children under five. Recent surveys show malaria prevalence in children rising to 12.5% from 9% in 2018.
Factors driving the surge include inconsistent prevention practices, climate changes, and growing resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides and parasites to drugs. The minister highlighted misuse of nets for fishing or farming as a key problem, urging registration via Village Health Teams and consistent use.
Health officials emphasize that properly used long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) can cut transmission by 50%, reduce severe illness and deaths by 25%, and lower child mortality significantly. The strategy supports Uganda’s goal of malaria elimination by 2030 through nets, indoor spraying, chemoprevention, and community surveillance.
This follows a January 2026 rollout of 3.4 million nets in 20 districts.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)