The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Malaria Consortium, has initiated the first cycle of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in the Karamoja sub-region. This public health intervention targets children aged 3 to 59 months, providing them with monthly doses of preventive antimalarials during the peak malaria transmission season from May to September.
SMC is a vital strategy in regions where malaria transmission is seasonal and predictably high. In Uganda, all nine districts of Karamoja are beneficiaries of this program, which aims to reduce the incidence of malaria among the most vulnerable population—young children.
Malaria remains a significant health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where Uganda is located. The region bears the highest burden of the disease globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sub-Saharan Africa accounts for approximately 93% of malaria cases and 94% of malaria deaths worldwide. Children under five are particularly at risk, representing around two-thirds of all malaria deaths in the region.
Uganda, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has been grappling with the persistent threat of malaria. The disease is not only a leading cause of illness and death but also imposes a substantial economic burden on families and the healthcare system. Efforts to combat malaria have included the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases. However, seasonal malaria chemoprevention has emerged as a critical tool in regions with highly seasonal transmission patterns.
In Karamoja, the implementation of SMC is expected to have a significant impact on reducing malaria cases during the high transmission season. The program involves community health workers who administer monthly doses of antimalarial drugs to children, ensuring that they have continuous protection throughout the peak transmission period. This proactive approach is designed to prevent malaria infections before they occur, thereby reducing the incidence of severe cases and deaths.
The Malaria Consortium, a key partner in this initiative, brings extensive experience in malaria prevention and control.
