By Amos Ssemuwemba
In a united effort to curb the spread of malaria, the Rotaract Club of Kampala North Musical, alongside the National Girl Guide Association and Malaria Partners International, partnered with the Ministry of Health Uganda to conduct a two-day training for Village Health Teams (VHTs) from Bweyogerere, Kirinya, and Bukasa. Held at the Uganda Girl Guide Association headquarters in Wandegeya on Wednesday, the training aimed to equip VHTs with the necessary skills to approach communities and raise awareness about malaria prevention.
This initiative is part of the Rotaract Club’s wider campaign, the Bukesa Kirinya Project, which focuses on achieving zero malaria in these communities. Experts from the Ministry of Health, with support from Malaria Partners Uganda, led the sessions, highlighting key strategies such as promoting the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, proper sanitation, and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites.
Rotaract Club President Mr. Phillip Bamuteze praised the VHTs for their commitment. “Your dedication to fighting malaria in our communities is invaluable. With the skills you’ve gained, we are confident that together we can bring the number of malaria cases down significantly. Special thanks to our partners, without whom this would not have been possible.”
Malaria: A Major Health Concern in Uganda
Malaria remains one of Uganda’s most pressing health issues, accounting for a substantial number of hospital admissions and outpatient visits. The Ministry of Health has continually stressed the need for preventive measures, such as distributing mosquito nets and conducting indoor residual spraying.
According to Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health, consistent community engagement is key in controlling malaria outbreaks. “Our efforts will only be as effective as the involvement of the communities themselves. By empowering VHTs, we ensure that every household is informed and protected.”
WHO on Global Malaria Efforts
Following the recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, Uganda has the world’s highest malaria incidence rate of 478 cases per 1,000 population per year.
WHO’s strategy includes the distribution of vaccines, improved access to diagnostic tools, and broader public health interventions.
“Strengthening health systems, ensuring timely access to treatment, and promoting preventive measures remain our strongest tools in the fight against malaria,” noted WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a report.
The successful training of VHTs in Bweyogerere, Kirinya, and Bukasa is another step forward in Uganda’s ongoing fight against malaria, bolstered by the support of local and international health partners.
