Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito. The disease is widespread in Uganda, where it is estimated that nearly half of the population is at risk. Malaria is especially common in rural areas, where access to healthcare is limited.
Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, and flu-like illness. If not treated promptly, malaria can lead to severe complications and death. Malaria is preventable and treatable. The best way to prevent malaria is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Take these steps to protect yourself and your family from malaria:
Use an insect repellent when you go outdoors, especially after dark. When indoors, sleep under a mosquito net for protection.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
Keep screens on your windows and doors in good condition to keep mosquitoes from entering your home. Check with your doctor about the best way to prevent malaria if you are taking antimalarial medications or have other medical conditions.
When traveling abroad, consult a health care professional before using any medication that prevents malaria. Malaria is a serious illness. It is transmitted to humans by certain species of mosquitoes. Malaria can be fatal, but it can be prevented and treated. Vaccines are being developed against malaria. We have vaccines against some of the organisms that cause malaria. However, none of these vaccines are widely available.
The best way to prevent malaria is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito.
Why is malaria still a problem in Uganda?
Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease that has been a problem in Uganda for many years. Despite efforts to control the spread of malaria, it remains a leading cause of death in Uganda. Malaria is most prevalent in rural areas and among children under five years old.
The main reasons why malaria is still a problem in Uganda are lack of access to prevention and treatment, poor sanitation and hygiene, and weak health systems. The use of bed nets is the most effective way to prevent malaria. However, some people do not have access to treated nets, so they use untreated mosquito nets or no nets at all.
Many people in rural areas rely on backyard gardens for food. These gardens are often close to lakes, rivers and other sources of water—making them a breeding ground for mosquitoes. So people are repeatedly exposed to malaria.
The government has set a target of eliminating malaria by 2020, but the challenge is how to reach more people with anti-malarial medication. The government will need to strengthen health systems and promote behaviour change for this to happen. The challenge is how to reach more people with anti-malarial medication.
People often have misconceptions about malaria. For example, people are under the impression that malaria is just a fever and that it can be cured by drinking more water. These misconceptions have to be addressed for people to take anti-malarial medication. Malaria is a disease that affects the whole society and has many different aspects.