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Malaria drug resistance cases are on the rise in Uganda, said Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng the Minister of Health- Uganda. She further stated that the malaria parasite has continued to become resistant to many prominent drugs, including Primaquine, Coartem, among others. The Health Minister made these statements in Kampala while receiving Shs160m raised by the Malaria Free Uganda Board and Ecobank Uganda under the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative.
Dr Aceng also said some test methods currently in use in the country have become ineffective in detecting malaria parasites. Dr Aceng attributed the challenge to changes in the environment and self-medication.
However, Dr Aceng said a lot of research is going on to seek solutions, adding that the ministry has instituted a scientific advisory committee to follow up on the issue of drug resistance. The report will contribute to policy changes in malaria treatment in the country.
Dr Aceng said the government will, starting next month, begin the distribution of at least 28 million mosquito nets treated with a mixture of two chemicals different from the one currently used. She said the whole process of buying, transporting and distributing these nets will cost the country about Shs47b.
Dr Aceng urged the public to participate in the fight against malaria, saying it requires a collective effort. The government, the private sector, and civil society all have a role to play in this effort. She said Uganda is committed to eradicating this deadly disease once and for all.
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Mr Kenneth Mugisha, the board chairperson of Malaria Free Uganda, a private initiative aimed at fighting malaria, said it is the responsibility of the private sector to support the government to save the lives of Ugandans. Malaria imposes a direct business cost through staff absenteeism and the high cost of staff health insurance. The Director General of Health Services, Mr Henry Mwebesa, said malaria is a big burden to the country, adding that 25 per cent of people who seek treatment at health facilities are malaria patients.
