The Government through Ministry of Health has received over 1000 litres of Biolarvicides from the United Republic of Tanzania to help eliminate malaria and other vector-borne diseases in the country.
The donation follows a sideline meeting between the President of Zanzibar Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi and uganda’s Vice President Maj. (Rtd ) Jessica Alupo at the G77 + China Summit of Heads of State in Cuba.
During the meeting, Alupo who was representing President Yoweri museveni at the 2023 Summit, requested that Uganda joins Zanzibar in the United Republic of Tanzania in use of Biolarvicide to eliminate Malaria and other vector-borne disease in Uganda.
Alupo, while receiving the donation today, at the ministry of Health headquarters expressed gratitude to Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for the selfless giving to the people of Uganda and for the cordial relationship.
She said the consignment will go a long way towards ensuring that the country reduces the burden of vector borne diseases, especially malaria in Uganda.
The vice president said President has always championed the fight against diseases in Uganda adding that he recognizes the great work done by the Ministry of Health officials and partners, in combating numerous diseases in Uganda.
She however told the gathering that, it is also important to note that, health related challenges still pose a great a burden to the people of Uganda in terms of lowering household incomes because of heavy spending on medical bills, long hours spent on illnesses, physical and mental disabilities caused by ill-health also impose adverse effects to the socio-economic development of our country.
Alupo stressed that a large number of our population in Uganda is still at risk of malaria with children under 5 years of age and pregnant mothers being most vulnerable.
Recently, the Government of Uganda launched a Malaria vaccine, which has been introduced into the routine immunization schedule to protect children under 5 years old from severe Malaria and death.
She commended the above efforts by the NRM government and called upon Ugandans to embrace the Malaria Vaccination campaign.
From the experts, Alupo learnt that mosquitoes do not only transmit malaria but also other diseases like lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), yellow fever, Zika virus, and many others.
She emphasized that controlling mosquitoes will not only reduce malaria but also other diseases, which are public health threats.
The vice president was pleased to know that the Ministry of Health has now included Larval Source Management including larviciding as part of the package for vector control across the country.
“This initiative should continue to be supported and popularized in the communities,” she said.
She encouraged the Ministry of Health officials to train and support district Local Governments to handle the more complex malaria breeding sites using modern methods.
Alupo thanked president Museveni and the NRM government for leading the efforts to fight Vector Borne Diseases and ensure Universal Health coverage for all Ugandans.
She finally thanked the Ministry of Health team, under the leadership of Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng for their relentless efforts to deliver quality health services to the population, embracing science and technology and for being data driven.
She thanked the people of the United Republic of Tanzania for the warm bilateral relations extended to Uganda over the years and specifically for treating Ugandans as their true brothers.
She assured the people of Tanzania that Uganda will always stand by them, with them and the government of Tanzania.
Dr. Aceng thanked VP Alupo for her efforts in lobbying H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar, to make this donation to Uganda.
“This act reflects your commitment to disease prevention and public health. We remain grateful for our Government’s continued support to the health sector and for the invaluable guidance you continuously provide,” Aceng said .
She told Her Excellency, that while we take pride in our lush green vegetation, warm and humid climate, and abundant water bodies, these very blessings also provide ideal conditions for vectors that spread deadly diseases.
Globally, Uganda bears a high burden of malaria and neglected tropical diseases such as bilharzia, filariasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, and sleeping sickness. These diseases impose a heavy toll on our population—causing illness, disability, and reduced productivity.
Aceng said the NRM Government, under the able leadership of president Museveni, continues to push new frontiers to secure the health and future of our nation.
According to the World Malaria Report 2023, Uganda is the third highest contributor of malaria cases globally, and the seventh-highest in malaria-related deaths.
Aceng is sure that with the deployment of the malaria vaccine, in combination with other proven interventions such as larviciding, use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and timely diagnosis and treatment, the country will significantly accelerate our path to malaria elimination and save countless lives, especially among vulnerable populations like children under five and pregnant women.
She reiterated her ministry’s remains commitment towards elimination of malaria and neglected tropical diseases by 2030, in line with Vision 2040 and our aspirations for socioeconomic transformation.
Aceng told the VP Alupo that with the collaboration she has established with the United Republic of Tanzania—through H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar—is a major step forward in the country’s journey toward eliminating malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
She thanked Alupo for the timely intervention adding that the generous donation brings them closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Ugandans,”.
Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Uganda said the fight against malaria has been a long journey for Tanzania but their determined efforts through mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying has registered a desired reduction in malaria incidents in Tanzania.
She said Tanzania and Uganda share a long and rich history characterized by strong bond of friendship and collaboration. The Gen. emphasized that the two countries are not just neighbours but partners in development led by the geography, culture and common vision of prosperity.
Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director Health services said the Ministry continues to strengthen integrated service delivery to ensure efficient and effective resource utilization.
He explained that Larval Source Management, including habitat manipulation, modification, and larviciding presents them with a strategic opportunity to eliminate vectors before they mature and transmit diseases.
He said these methods, implemented through a community-participatory approach, not only build local capacity but are also cost-effective.
Currently the ministry is conducting larviciding in 11 districts of; Namutumba, Kibuku, Pallisa, Otuke, Kabale, Alebtong, Lira District, Lira City, Mitooma, Rubanda, and Kisoro. He said these efforts focus on areas with high malaria burden, using SAFE larvicide.
He noted that where larvicides have been deployed, they have observed a complementary impact alongside other malaria control interventions— resulting in reduced disease burden, lower healthcare costs, improved productivity, and better sleep among our communities. Given these encouraging results, the Ministry is working to expand the larviciding programme.
