Uganda is rolling out one of its largest mosquito net distribution campaigns to date as it steps up the fight against malaria, with more than 25 million insecticide-treated nets being delivered in phases, targeting regions with the highest infection rates.
The effort is a nationwide, door-to-door campaign to fight against malaria, which remains the leading killer of children under five in the country.
Health teams have begun distributing nets, particularly in the northern and eastern regions, where in some areas, malaria transmission among children under five has reached as high as 13 percent.
"Among the most effective prevention measures is the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets. We all know that when mosquito nets are used properly, these nets can break the malaria transmission by 50 percent. They can also reduce mobility and mortality by 25 percent," said Richard Kabanda, Health Promotion Commissioner of the Ugandan Ministry of Health.
Uganda remains among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest malaria burden. The Malaria Indicator Survey shows glaring gaps in early detection and timely treatment.
Cases are currently spiking again, particularly in children and pregnant women, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies.
"We've looked at our response and we are saying we need to change the way we are tackling malaria. Malaria must be tackled from the community. And the commissioner mentioned, at our households, what is it we are doing at our household? How are you clearing breeding spaces, removing mosquitoes from as close to you as possible? These are things we are communicating," said Catherine Sebuguzi, Program Manager of Uganda's National Malaria Elimination Division.
Global funding for malaria programs has also taken a hit, putting years of progress at risk.
Uganda had reduced malaria prevalence in children under five from 45 percent in 2009 to nearly 10 percent in 2018, but the current increase to 13 percent is raising concerns.
"We would like to pay more attention to encouraging Ugandans to ensure that they seek treatment after they've been tested from recognized health facilities. We would also like to pay more attention to addressing issues of malaria in pregnancy among women," Kabanda said.
With more than half of malaria deaths in 2025 occurring among children under five, authorities hope the campaign will protect vulnerable communities.
They also hope to get the country back on track to end malaria by 2030.
Uganda ramps up fight against malaria with over 25 million treated mosquito nets
