For 42-year-old Ingrid Nekesa, malaria has been a relentless struggle. Living in Bungokho Subcounty, where the disease is rampant, she has seen her children suffer repeated infections.
“There have been times when I’ve walked for miles to the health center, only to be told there are no malaria drugs,” Nekesa says.
Her story echoes the wider crisis in Mbale District, which recorded a 48% malaria positivity rate in 2024. With 107 malaria-related deaths, the district ranks second only to Hoima’s 135 fatalities. Frequent drug shortages, self-medication, and limited healthcare access worsen the problem.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Rotary Club of Lubowa and the Rotary Club of Mbale City have launched a Shs40 million Community Impact Grant for Malaria.
The initiative, funded by a $10,000 grant from Malaria Partners International, with an additional $884 from Rotary, addresses prevention and treatment gaps.
The project kicked off with a medical camp offering free malaria testing and treatment. Additionally, Village Health Teams (VHTs) in 11 villages received bicycles to improve outreach, early diagnosis, and community education.
“This intervention will provide immediate treatment while educating communities on preventive measures,” said Rona Kamukama, president of the Rotary Club of Lubowa.
Drug shortages have long been a setback for health centers like Bunampongo Health Centre III, which serves over 18,000 people. Martin Olupot, the facility’s in-charge, praised the initiative for supplying testing kits and antimalarials.
“We’ve struggled with frequent stockouts. Thanks to Rotary, we now have enough medicine, and VHTs can reach more households,” Olupot stated.
He also pointed to poor health-seeking behaviors as a challenge. Many patients abandon treatment after initial improvement or buy partial doses from local shops, leading to recurrent infections and drug resistance.
To complement traditional methods, the project promotes the use of mosquito-repellent plants. Eve Kagona, Programs Manager at Malaria Partners Uganda, stressed the importance of innovative solutions.
“We’re encouraging families to plant mosquito-repellent vegetation. Mosquitoes bite not just at night but also before bedtime,” Kagona explained.
While challenges persist, empowering communities with treatment, prevention tools, and education could mark a turning point in reducing malaria deaths. With sustained efforts, no mother should lose a child to a preventable disease.
