The recently-released National Population and Housing Census 2024 indicates that Uganda is making commendable steps towards eradication of malaria as over 87.3 per cent of homes have at least one mosquito net.
The data, which was released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos), shows that mosquito nets are still a vital shield against malaria in spite of the fact that the disease continues to cause the most illnesses and deaths in the country, writes GEOFREY SERUGO.
According to the census data, household ownership of at least one mosquito net has generally increased over the past ten years. Households owning at least one mosquito net increased from 52% in 2014 to 87.3 per cent in 2024. Full household mosquito net coverage increased from 23% in 2014 to 74% in 2024.
Also according to Ubos data, the reason as to why mosquito nets have become overly available in Uganda is government’s intervention, with 85.4 per cent of the nets received through a public net distribution scheme.
Meanwhile, 14.1 per cent of the nets were bought by households while another 3.1 per cent of the nets were donated through non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In general, households in the countryside had a net ownership of 88.2 per cent as compared to the urban setup, which reported 85.8 per cent ownership of nets.
Regional data shows disparities in mosquito net coverage. Teso sub-region leads with 93.8% of households owning at least one net, while Kampala lags behind. Additionally, urban households are more likely to purchase nets, with 23% buying their own compared to just 8.2% in rural areas.
Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Health ministry spokesperson, says the census trend is encouraging.
“This is good news that the country is reporting that a significant proportion of Ugandan households own mosquito nets. This exemplifies the ministry’s desire to eradicate malaria in the country,” he says.
“This Ubos data will also help us assess the progress of the Uganda Malaria Reduction and Elimination Strategic Plan 2021 to 2025, which aims to reduce the infection and death by 75 per cent by 2025.”
MORE EFFORT NEEDED
Much as Uganda has made strides in controlling deadly malaria over the past decade by encouraging people to sleep in mosquito nets, the country still endures the world’s third-largest malaria burden, with 5.1% of global cases and 3.2% of global deaths, according to 2021 data. Experts say this partly due to the continued use of old and untreated mosquito nets, among other issues.
Dr Sarah Akello, a medical entomologist, emphasizes the importance of keeping clean, treated mosquito nets.
“You can’t get rid of malaria by simply sleeping under mosquito nets only. Households need to enhance complementary measures such as washing and treating them every after six months, indoor residual spraying, community education and early treatment of malaria to address the remaining gaps,” she says.
Dr Akello further says it is important to integrate malaria control with broader health initiatives.
“Malaria elimination requires a holistic approach. Addressing systemic issues such as low health insurance coverage and mental health awareness can strengthen our overall health system and enhance resilience against diseases.”
In fact, the census also sheds light on other health sector indicators. While mosquito net distribution has been a success, only 1.1% of the population is covered by health insurance, and mental health challenges remain prevalent, with 12% of individuals aged 10 and above experiencing psychological distress.
Probable depressive disorder (7.8%) was the most prevalent condition, while probable suicidality was the least (0.9%). Probable general psychological distress was most prevalent in Teso sub-region (16.4%), and least in Ankole (8.8%).
Uganda’s Vision 2040 positions good health as a cornerstone of socio-economic transformation. With targeted interventions, robust data collection, and community involvement, the health sector is making strides toward achieving these goals.
With these statistics, health sector stakeholders should be optimistic about a future where malaria is no longer a significant health burden. However, the Ubos report notes that it is essential to have sustained investment, innovation and collaboration in order to turn this vision into reality.
It also remains to be seen whether Uganda will achieve the 2025 milestone set by the Malaria Reduction and Elimination Strategic Plan.
Vaccination coverage
Vaccination helps protect children against infectious diseases that can cause illness or death. It protects children against common vaccine-preventable diseases and is crucial in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.
The NPHC 2024 collected information on routine basic childhood vaccination, including Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) (tuberculosis), Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), pentavalent or DPT-HepB-Hib (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza type B), pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 10 (PCV10), Rotavirus Vaccine (RV), and Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine.
Respondents were also asked whether the children had vaccination cards or an exercise book. Vaccination coverage was 86.9% of children aged 0-2. However, 475,166 children (12.2%) had not received any vaccine. Buganda sub-region had the highest number of children who had not received any vaccine (103,418), while Sebei sub-region had the least (4,275).