Kampala, (UG):- The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and key partners, has officially launched the 2024/2025 Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS), a significant initiative aimed at assessing malaria prevalence and its impact on households across the country.
During the launch on Friday, November 29, 2024, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, underscored the survey’s critical role in informing malaria control efforts. Dr Aceng noted that the MIS would evaluate behaviours, practices, and access to preventive treatments while providing crucial data on malaria prevalence.
“Uganda remains one of the top ten global contributors to the malaria burden, accounting for 5.1% of total cases and 3.2% of deaths. This survey is a cornerstone in our journey to eradicate malaria,” she stated.
The Minister highlighted progress in reducing malaria prevalence from 42% in 2009 to 9.1% in 2018/2019 but acknowledged challenges, such as a surge in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Aceng also announced the upcoming launch of a malaria vaccine in 2025, targeting severe malaria cases in children, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to intensified efforts.
She called on Ugandans to support field teams, emphasizing the survey’s role in achieving malaria elimination by 2030.
UBOS Director Chris Mukiza reiterated the bureau’s commitment to supporting malaria control through timely and reliable data collection.
Mukiza stressed the importance of accurate data for designing effective interventions and praised the collaboration between UBOS, the Ministry of Health, and other partners. “This survey is about guiding strategic planning and assessing the efficacy of previous interventions, not just about data,” he said.
The Ubos boss revealed that the survey would employ advanced technology, including tablet-based data collection tools, to ensure accuracy and real-time monitoring. He assured the public that all data would adhere to international statistical standards and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act, ensuring confidentiality and public cooperation.
Additionally, Stephen Mbarahira of UBOS said the malaria indicator survey will target women aged 15–49 and children under five to evaluate malaria prevalence, healthcare access, and reproductive health. Blood tests will be conducted on children to assess malaria prevalence, while interviews will collect information on household demographics, reproductive health, and preventive strategies.
He confirmed the deployment of 23 teams nationwide, each comprising seven members, including laboratory technicians and interviewers and assured stakeholders that preliminary results would be available within three months of data collection, and final analysis conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners.
Charles Njuguna, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Uganda, commended the MIS as a vital tool for malaria surveillance and control. He acknowledged delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but applauded the dedication of technical teams and partners.
“This survey aligns with WHO recommendations and will provide essential data for targeted interventions and progress tracking,” he said.
Jessica Healey, Director of the Office of Health and HIV at USAID, praised Uganda’s commitment to reducing malaria prevalence. She highlighted the role of partnerships, including the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), in advancing the fight against malaria.
Ms Healey emphasized the survey’s significance in evaluating ongoing interventions and shaping future strategies to achieve a malaria-free Uganda.
Funded through a collaboration between UBOS, the Ministry of Health, and international partners, the MIS will cover urban and rural areas, as well as refugee settlements, to ensure comprehensive national representation. Fieldwork began in late November and will pause for the festive season before resuming in January.
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