Health 24 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Busoga Sub-Region Sees 181 Malaria Deaths in Nine Months Amid Alarming Surge
Busoga recorded 181 malaria deaths and over one million cases between July 2025 and March 2026, with experts calling it a persistent crisis fueled by environmental factors. Health leaders urge better implementation of prevention measures and community involvement during World Malaria Day events. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/busoga-records-181-malaria-deaths-in-nine-months-5435728
The Busoga sub-region in Uganda has reported 181 deaths from malaria over just nine months, from July 2025 to March 2026, alongside more than 1,026,066 confirmed cases. This data, shared by Dr. Alfred Yayi, Director of Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, during World Malaria Day events in Iganga District, underscores the disease’s dominance in local health facilities.
Experts label the situation alarming, with malaria leading both illnesses and fatalities in the area. Dr. Yayi pointed to the region’s lakes, rivers, wetlands, and climate as key enablers of mosquito breeding, creating a ‘triple burden’ of communicable diseases, non-communicable conditions, and injuries.
Dr. Maria Goretti Zalwango from Makerere University Joint AIDS Program highlighted Busoga’s outsized national contribution to cases. She noted challenges like misuse of nets, delayed treatment, and reliance on home remedies or private clinics, which worsen outcomes.
Prof. Peter Waiswa of Busoga Health Forum described malaria as a socio-economic drag on education, productivity, and families, advocating for integration with community programs and local leadership.
WHO’s Dr. Christine Musanhu discussed global trends, with over 280 million cases and 600,000 deaths yearly, praising vaccines now in African rollouts but stressing their pairing with nets, spraying, and treatment. The event also graduated 105 Community Health Extension Workers for grassroots efforts.
Officials like Dr. Charles Olaro and former VP Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe emphasized investment, coordination, and home-based prevention for zero deaths. Nationally, Uganda saw over 16 million cases and 2,793 deaths in 2023, mostly in young children.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)