Agnes Kiconco

KIU, MAIN CAMPUS - Uganda has on Monday, 25th April 2022, commemorated World Malaria Day, an international observance celebrated every year on 25th April.

The day's celebrations recognize global efforts to control malaria. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. In 2012, malaria caused an estimated 627,000 deaths, mostly among African children.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that continues to have a devastating impact on the health and livelihood of people around the world. In 2020, there were an estimated 241 million new cases of malaria and 627 000 malaria-related deaths in 85 countries. More than two-thirds of deaths were among children under the age of 5 living in the WHO African Region.

In October 2021, WHO recommended the broad use of the RTS, S malaria vaccine for young children living in areas with moderate and high malaria transmission. The recommendation was informed by results from an ongoing WHO-coordinated pilot programme in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi that has reached more than 900 000 children since 2019. Evidence and experience from the programme has shown that the vaccine is safe, feasible to deliver and reduces deadly severe malaria. RTS,S is an example of innovation at work and a scientific breakthrough – it is the first vaccine recommended for use against a human parasitic disease of any kind.

As of (Monday, 25th April 2022) the annual event is expected to raise awareness and advocate for more resources for the fight against malaria, under the theme;  “Domesticating the Fight against Malaria”

Ministry of Health clearly stated that "Malaria is preventable. Stick to the simple doable action - Sleep under a treated mosquito net every night." This was mentioned in support of the 2022 Malaria Day Slogan; "Prevent the bite".

Also as part of the celebration activities to commemorate World Malaria Day, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on Sunday, 24th April 2022, flagged off a bicycle ride at Namboole Stadium to raise awareness on Malaria and prevention measures.