Amuria, Uganda – Amuria District in Eastern Uganda has initiated a landmark Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) program, targeting 75 primary schools as part of the School Protect Program to combat the escalating malaria crisis.
This is the first time the district is undertaking such a large-scale IRS campaign, marking a significant milestone in malaria control efforts.
The region, which has witnessed a surge in malaria cases with 40% of patients testing positive for the disease, has long been grappling with high malaria prevalence, particularly among school-aged children.
While national efforts have focused on children under five, older children in schools have remained vulnerable.
This new initiative seeks to address that gap by spraying school facilities during the holidays to prevent transmission while minimizing disruption to education.
The program, implemented by Pilgrim Africa, a faith-based non-governmental organization, is being supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Malaria Control Division, and the Ministry of Health.
Local leaders have hailed the program as a crucial step in addressing the public health crisis.
Dr. Godfrey Opio, the District Health Officer of Amuria, highlighted the district’s unique challenges, noting that 40% of the population, approximately 251,000 people, has been affected by malaria.
He emphasized that the IRS initiative was a necessary intervention, especially for school children aged 6 to 14, who constitute a large portion of malaria cases.
The IRS campaign comes as a relief to local authorities who have struggled with limited resources to control the disease.
The Amuria District Local Council Chairperson, Moses Emabu, pointed out that this program is a vital step forward, especially as the local government lacks the budget to fund such large-scale efforts.
The initiative, which started during school holidays, will allow health workers to access classrooms and dormitories safely, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
Health experts believe the program will be a game-changer in reducing malaria transmission in the district, marking a new era in the fight against the disease in the region.