The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
KAMPALA, UGANDA | Patricia Akankwatsa | As Uganda continues its relentless fight against malaria, the 2024 Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) is an important step toward achieving a malaria-free future.
By collecting accurate and timely data, health officials aim to understand the prevalence of malaria better, identify high-risk areas, and refine prevention and treatment strategies.
The MIS involves a rigorous process of surveying households across the country to gather information on malaria infection rates, risk factors, and the use of preventive measures like insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and antimalarial drugs. The data collected will provide valuable insights into the disease’s burden and help inform evidence-based decision-making.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), is seen as a major step toward achieving a malaria-free Uganda.
“Accurate data is the basis of effective malaria control,” said Hon. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, during the survey’s launch in Kampala on Nov 29th .
“This survey will help us identify areas with the highest malaria burden and understand the challenges communities face. With this information, we can refine our strategies and ensure that every Ugandan has access to the tools they need to prevent and treat malaria.”
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), tasked with coordinating the data collection, emphasized the importance of community participation to ensure the survey’s success.
“This survey is a national priority,” said Chris Mukiza, UBOS Executive Director.
“The data we collect will not only inform malaria-specific interventions but also contribute to broader health and development policies. We call upon all Ugandans to participate actively and provide accurate information to make this initiative a success.”
Mukiza noted that the survey will include a mix of household interviews, blood testing, and geospatial mapping to capture a comprehensive picture of malaria’s impact across the country.
Preliminary analysis from previous efforts suggests that malaria control measures need to be tailored to specific regions. For example, while insecticide-treated bed nets have been widely distributed, some areas report low usage due to cultural or practical barriers. Similarly, drug resistance patterns vary, requiring localized strategies.
“By leveraging this data, we can shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to targeted interventions that address the unique needs of each community,” added Dr. Aceng.
“This means smarter allocation of resources, better health outcomes, and a step closer to our goal of eliminating malaria.”
Key focus areas will likely include scaling up public education campaigns, addressing insecticide and drug resistance, and improving access to diagnostic and treatment services.
“Data-driven decisions save lives,” concluded Dr. Aceng. “This survey is about giving Uganda the tools it needs to protect its people and build a healthier, stronger future.”
As the survey rolls out, health officials are urging Ugandans to participate fully, recognizing that the fight against malaria is a shared responsibility. With accurate data, Uganda can design a more effective path to defeating malaria once and for all.
According to WHO, Uganda has the world’s highest malaria incidence rate of 478 cases per 1,000 population per year. It is also the leading cause of sickness and death in Uganda and is responsible for up to 40% of all outpatient visits, 25% of hospital admissions and 14% of all hospital deaths. The malaria death rate in Uganda is estimated to be between 70,000 and 100,000 deaths per year; a toll that exceeds that of HIV/AIDS.
