By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Health
Today marks World Malaria Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the global efforts to control and eradicate malaria. With 3.3 billion people at risk of malaria in 106 countries, the disease remains a significant health threat, especially to African children.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease and currently the third largest killer of children after pneumonia and diarrhoea, globally. In Uganda, malaria accounts for 14.5 per cent of under-five deaths. Children under five, pregnant women are more at risk of contracting the disease. When children contract malaria, their growth is affected and many die. Relatedly, malaria in pregnancy contributes significantly to deaths of mothers and their unborn children. Despite killing thousands, malaria is a preventable and treatable disease.
In Uganda, the economic loss due to malaria is staggering, with over $500 million lost annually.
The theme for World Malaria Day 2024 is “Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” reflecting the ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease and educate communities on prevention measures. In 2022, Uganda reported over 12.7 million malaria cases and 17,556 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for continued action.
World Malaria Day was first observed in 2008, following the creation of the event by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007. The origins of the day can be traced back to Africa Malaria Day, which was celebrated since 2001 by African countries. This initiative stemmed from the Abuja Declaration in 2001, signed by 44 malaria-endemic African countries.
Globally, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases and 608,000 malaria deaths in 2022, with the WHO African Region bearing the highest burden. The Region accounted for 94% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths. Progress has been made, with malaria cases declining by 76% in the WHO South-East Asia Region from 2000 to 2022.
As we commemorate World Malaria Day, let us renew our commitment to fighting this preventable and treatable disease. Through collective efforts, we can accelerate the fight against malaria and work towards a world free of this deadly illness.
Uganda will have its celebrations on 3rd May in Kibuku District which tops Malaria cases in the country.
