Mbale City, (UG):– The Ministry of Health has embarked on a sensitization campaign with the ministers and clan leaders of Inzu Ya Masaaba on prevention of Malaria, one of the leading causes of child mortality in Uganda.
The meeting, held at Wash and Wills Country Home in Mbale, focused on the rollout of the malaria immunization program, which will see children under the age of five receive a monthly dose for four months.
Dr. Kenneth Waniaye, the Commissioner for Emergency Response at the Ministry of Health, announced while addressing the cultural institution’s ministers and clan leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Inzu Ya Masaaba, Steven Masiga, the institution’s spokesperson, pledged to mobilize parents across Masaabaland to ensure that all eligible children receive the malaria vaccine.
“We shall mobilize everyone, whether Chinese or Indian, because all these are now Bamasaaba people,” Masiga said.
He further committed to tackling misinformation and cultural resistance to immunization, particularly among families who hold religious or ideological beliefs against vaccines. Masiga vowed to counter the influence of pseudo-intellectuals who spread falsehoods about public health initiatives through social media platforms.
“I will also engage those who pretend to be more knowledgeable on public health matters and counsel them against sabotaging government efforts. Many of them use WhatsApp forums to undermine such good initiatives,” he added.
Masiga emphasized the need to educate the Bamasaaba community on the leading causes of death, including malaria, pneumonia, and hypertension, urging greater participation in preventive healthcare.
Hon. Richard Wambwa represented Inzu Ya Masaaba Prime Minister Dr. Paul Mwambu, who was unable to attend as he was engaged in parliamentary committee duties on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The workshop drew participation from 26 clan leaders, with full attendance from representatives of Busiu, Bubutu, Bukigai, Buwabwala, Bufumbo, and Buyobo, among others. Facilitators from the Ministry of Health and Mbale District Local Government included Madam Agnes Makabayi and Stella Kisoro, who represented the District Health Office.
The Ministry of Health and Inzu Ya Masaaba pledged continued collaboration to enhance malaria prevention and improve public health in the region.
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