MP Nabulo Sounding the Alarm on Rising Malaria Cases in Ugandan Schools

Sironko District Woman Member of Parliament Asha Mafabi Nabulo has voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating rates of malaria within Uganda’s school system. Speaking during a plenary session, Nabulo highlighted that inadequate diagnosis and treatment practices in schools are contributing to a surge in infections and severe illness among learners.

Nabulo pointed out that malaria prevalence has risen considerably, with schools now accounting for a substantial number of reported cases. She criticized the common practice in some schools of administering painkillers like Panadol for symptoms such as fever and headaches without first conducting a malaria test. This delay in proper diagnosis, she argued, hinders timely and effective treatment, thereby increasing the risk of children developing severe malaria.

Her sentiments were echoed by fellow legislators who underscored the need for improved malaria case management. They called upon the Ministries of Health and Education to equip schools with functional sick bays, ensure trained health personnel are available, and facilitate prompt access to diagnostic tools and medication. The lawmakers also noted that school children can act as significant carriers of malaria parasites, sometimes without exhibiting symptoms, thus posing a risk of community transmission.

Recent data indicates a worrying trend, with malaria parasite prevalence among children aged six to 59 months rising to approximately 21 percent, a stark increase from 9 percent in previous surveys. Health experts attribute this rise to delayed diagnosis, insufficient treatment, and poor health-seeking behaviors, leading to preventable deaths, particularly among the youth. The urgent call from Parliament is for stronger inter-sectoral collaboration to ensure schools are better prepared to combat the growing malaria burden.

Source: Nile Post