Kampala, (UG):- The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among has raised a rallying call for nationwide action and mass involvement in the fight against Malaria as communities gear up for the annual parliament walk against the deadly disease.
The walk, organized under the theme “Zero Malaria starts with you,” carries a profound message emphasizing individual and collective responsibility in eradicating malaria, which remains a significant contributor to mortality rates in Uganda, especially in areas where its prevalence is high.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, the Speaker of Parlament has now called upon the Ministry of Health to expand the scope of these annual walks beyond Kampala.
Ms Among highlighted the necessity of conducting such awareness campaigns in regions like West Nile, Lango, and Busoga, where malaria poses a severe threat to communities.
The Bukedea Woman MP also raised concerns about the decline in malaria awareness campaigns in the media. She reminisced about the impactful adverts that used to educate Ugandans about the dangers of malaria and the importance of preventive measures like clearing mosquito-breeding sites.
According to Hon Among, there is a need to reignite these efforts, stressing that the fight against malaria requires continuous vigilance and public education.
“We need to get people to know that malaria is a killer disease,” remarked Ms Among. “As legislators and leaders of the people, let us not wait for the Ministry. Let us tell people that malaria is a killer disease; they should be careful and be able to protect themselves against malaria and other diseases.”
The Speaker’s plea to the Ministry of Health to organize nationwide malaria walks echoes the sentiment that proactive measures, including sustained awareness campaigns and community engagement, are crucial in combating malaria effectively.
By reaching out to areas most affected by malaria and ensuring that preventive resources like mosquito nets are used appropriately, Uganda can make significant strides towards a malaria-free future.
The call to action is clear: it’s time to prioritize nationwide initiatives against malaria, starting with annual walks that not only raise awareness but also empower communities to take charge of their health and well-being.
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