By Spy Uganda
Uganda’s Department of Meteorological Services has warned of an upsurge in malaria cases in the East African country in January.
The department has called on health authorities to ensure sufficient stocks of malaria drugs in health facilities nationwide to combat the disease and related complications.
“Community health education, awareness campaigns, and inspections are advised. Increased surveillance of disease incidences such as malaria should be conducted and reported to the responsible authorities for immediate intervention,” the department said in a statement.
“Health units are encouraged to stock up in anticipation of increased disease cases, and communities are advised to sleep under treated mosquito nets,” it added, highlighting the likelihood of significantly higher temperatures during the day and night.
January, one of the two hottest months in the country, is predicted to be dry and hazy.
Data from the Health Ministry shows that malaria kills between 70,000 and 100,000 people in Uganda annually, mostly pregnant women and children.
According to the ministry, for every 10 sick people in Uganda, three have malaria, and for every 10 children under five years old admitted to the hospital, six have malaria, with many at risk of dying.
