Urgent Call to Improve Malaria Management in Ugandan Schools

Lawmakers in Uganda have raised serious concerns regarding the inadequate management of malaria cases within schools, particularly given the prevalence of the Plasmodium falciparum strain, which significantly impacts children under 15 years old.

Hon. Andrew Kaluya voiced the anxieties of many parents, stating that schools are not adequately equipped to handle malaria treatment. He strongly recommended that the Ministries of Health and Education collaborate to ensure schools establish proper sick bays and employ nurses to manage malaria cases effectively.

Research highlights that school-going children are a major reservoir for malaria transmission. They can carry asymptomatic parasites, contributing up to 50% of community infections and exhibiting partial resistance to treatments. This underscores the critical need for improved interventions within educational institutions.

Despite these challenges, the Minister for Health, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, noted a substantial decline in parasite prevalence among Ugandans, from 43% in 2009 to the current 13%, attributing this success to government malaria interventions. However, he acknowledged seasonal surges in infections during May-July and September-November.

In response, the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the school health program, has initiated comprehensive campaigns targeting schools. The ministry has also partnered with organizations like Pilgrim Africa for the ‘School Malaria Project,’ which involves indoor residual spraying in classrooms and dormitories in highly endemic areas.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has called upon all lawmakers to participate in an upcoming malaria awareness walk, emphasizing the need for collective effort from Parliament, civil society, the diplomatic community, and health practitioners to educate the public on malaria prevention.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4491/improve-case-management-malaria-schools