The Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Malaria (UPFOM) is preparing to host a fundraising walk aimed at supporting the national campaign to eliminate malaria in the country.
This event, set for April 5, 2025, will serve as a key initiative to raise both awareness and funds for the fight against malaria.
The announcement was made during a recent stakeholder engagement meeting held at the Ministry of Health’s LLIN Command Centre in Lumumba, Nakasero.
The meeting was organized by the Malaria Youth Champions Uganda (MYCU) in collaboration with the Africa Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and the National Malaria Elimination Department (NMED) of the Ministry of Health.
The gathering, themed “Youth Uniting for Gender Equality to End Malaria,” was supported by the Global Fund.
Hajjarah Nakendo, the program coordinator for the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Malaria, shared that Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, will serve as the chief walker for the event.
Nakendo encouraged the public to join the walk, emphasizing the importance of raising funds and spreading awareness about the collective effort needed to end malaria in Uganda.
She reaffirmed that the forum will continue working to build the capacity of citizens in the fight against malaria, which continues to claim lives across the country.
While Uganda will join the global community in marking World Malaria Day on April 25 under the theme “Eliminate Malaria Now,” Nakendo highlighted that Uganda will also organize regional events to complement the global observance.
These regional events will take place across various cities on April 10, 2025, including Lira City (Lango region), Arua City (West Nile), Karenga District (Karamoja), Jinja City (Busoga), and Masaka City (Central Uganda). These activities are aimed at creating localized awareness and mobilizing communities to actively participate in malaria elimination efforts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a fundraising campaign known as the ‘Global Fund Solidarity Walk’ to support efforts in combating malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
This initiative, held every three years, is currently undergoing a new funding drive to replenish the Global Fund basket for the next three years. Countries, individuals, and development partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, have contributed to this cause in the past.
Uganda has joined this global effort by mobilizing its diplomatic missions worldwide to host similar fundraising walks, including events in London on May 10, 2025, Ireland on May 5, and Canada.
Dr. Ismail Munyamu, leader of Malaria Youth Champions Uganda (MYCU), expressed his optimism that a malaria-free Uganda is achievable.
He emphasized the pivotal role of young people in breaking gender barriers within healthcare and urged all stakeholders to support the government’s malaria eradication efforts.
“When girls and boys have equal access to malaria prevention, treatment, and decision-making, communities thrive. Let us continue using our voices, skills, and innovation to create a malaria-free future for all,” he stated.
The stakeholders at the meeting also committed to strengthening networks and collaborating across districts to support the government’s efforts in mobilizing communities to combat malaria collectively.
As Uganda steps up its fight against malaria, the upcoming walk and regional events represent significant milestones in the country’s ongoing efforts to eliminate malaria and protect future generations.
