Ministry of Health flagged off a nationwide campaign to distribute 25.8 million long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs), aiming to combat a worrying increase in malaria cases and achieve over 80% universal coverage.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng addressed the media at the National Medical Stores (NMS) in Kajjansi, emphasizing the urgency: “We need to protect the people… Malaria deaths will not wait for the campaigns to end.”
She highlighted that nets are already available at NMS and urged immediate action to save lives.
The campaign, the fifth universal coverage effort, targets 130 districts (excluding those under full indoor residual spraying) and is rolled out in five waves.
The first wave prioritizes 20 high-burden districts, starting with 4.49 million nets to protect over 8.5 million people.
Funded at $100 million by the Government of Uganda, the Global Fund, and the U.S. government, it aligns with the Uganda Malaria Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
Recent data paints a concerning picture with the 2025 Malaria Indicator Survey shows national prevalence at 12.5%, up from 9.2% in 2018. The 2024 World Malaria Report ranks Uganda third globally, contributing 5% of cases worldwide.
Uganda reports some of the highest incidence rates, with malaria remaining the leading cause of illness and death, especially among children under five.
This resurgence reverses earlier gains from previous net distributions (e.g., 28 million nets in 2023) and highlights challenges like climate variability and potential insecticide resistance.
The net campaign complements recent initiatives, including the 2025 rollout of malaria vaccines targeting children and ongoing chemoprevention in high-risk areas like Karamoja.
Minister Aceng appealed to districts, local leaders, and Village Health Teams to ensure nets reach vulnerable populations and are used consistently.
“We urge all Ugandans to take advantage of this campaign and protect themselves and their families from malaria.”
Experts, including WHO representatives, praised Uganda’s commitment, noting that consistent net use, combined with vaccines, spraying, and prompt treatment, could significantly reduce cases and move the country toward elimination goals by 2030.
