By Richard Onapatum
The Ministry of Health (MoH) recently held an advocacy and sensitization meeting in Kaabong District to promote the upcoming malaria vaccine initiative. This gathering aimed to address the severe impact of malaria on the district, with local leaders and health professionals emphasizing the need for better healthcare systems.
Kaabong District Chairperson, Hon. Meri Jino, highlighted the alarming statistics, noting that 70% of hospital patients in the district suffer from malaria, and 50% of deaths are malaria-related. He called for the government to expedite staffing and infrastructure development, particularly in health units across Lotim and Lolelia South Sub-counties. Jino also pointed out the lack of personnel at Kaabong Hospital, where the hospital has an X-ray machine but no Radiographer to operate it, and urged the need for a modern laboratory to improve medical training.
Presentations from District Malaria Focal Person, Owilli Jimmy, and Dr. Ngiro, Superintendent of Kaabong Hospital, highlighted further challenges. Jimmy stressed the importance of accurate malaria case reporting from health facilities, including those affiliated with the UPDF and Police. Dr. Ngiro criticized the inconsistent supply of drugs from the National Medical Stores (NMS) and called for more transparency in the delivery of medical supplies.
The Ministry of Health representative provided critical details on the malaria vaccine, clarifying that it will be administered to children aged 1-2 years in four doses. The vaccine is designed to reduce malaria severity rather than prevent it entirely, with rollout expected to begin next year.
This advocacy meeting is a crucial step in fighting malaria in Kaabong District, with a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, accountability, and disease prevention efforts.
