In Oyam, locals still believe eating mangoes causes malaria

Oyam, Uganda: A section of residents in Northern Uganda’s Oyam District still believe that consuming mangoes causes malaria, a myth health experts say is hampering public understanding of the disease’s true cause, mosquito bites.

According to Timagi Community Medical Centre, which handles more than 2,000 malaria cases monthly, the myth persists mainly in Acaba and Loro sub-counties, where malaria prevalence fluctuates between 33% and 65%.

Peter Olet, a public health specialist at the facility, attributed the misconception to the seasonal coincidence between mango harvests and the rainy season, which leads to an upsurge in mosquito breeding.

“Many residents believe that eating mangoes in the morning causes malaria, but this misconception arises from the seasonal overlap of mango harvests and increasing mosquito activity during the rainy season,” Olet said.

He noted that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children are the most affected by the high malaria burden in the region.

Olet said the health centre has launched targeted outreach programs focusing on early malaria detection and education to combat misinformation. “We are urging residents to seek medical testing whenever they feel unwell. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, not mangoes,” he emphasized.

Jenifer Aceng, a pregnant patient receiving treatment for malaria, confirmed the widespread belief. “Malaria cases, especially among children, keep rising, and many in our community still link it to mango consumption despite medical evidence proving otherwise,” she said.

Christine Atino, an elderly resident in Acaba, said that while herbal remedies remain common, the message about modern treatment is slowly gaining ground.

“People in our area still rely on traditional herbal remedies, but some now understand the importance of seeking modern medical treatment for malaria,” Atino said.

Caroline Agaro, the Assistant District Health Officer (DHO) of Oyam, advised the community to adhere to scientifically proven malaria prevention methods and abandon misleading beliefs that could undermine treatment efforts.