The ministry of health has pledged to ensure immediate control of the malarial epidemic that has currently hit several districts in Northern Uganda.
This assurance was made by the Director General of health services, Dr. Ruth Achieng while speaking before district officials, leaders, senior health staff and press in a meeting meant to ascertain the malarial situation in Kitgum district.
Dr. Ruth Achieng attributed the rise of the malarial incidence to the halting of the indoor residual spraying that led to a rise in mosquito population and laxity by residents towards health seeking behaviours of fully utilising mosquito nets.
Dr. Geoffrey Okello the medical superintendent at Kitgum government hospital says since the malaria epidemic surged in April; over 17 people have so far succumbed to malaria in Kitgum alone and he attributes the deaths to late referrals to the health facilities.
“The trend started rising from March when the rains descended and in April alone we registered 709 cases with zero deaths, while in May we had 1,322 cases with 4 deaths then June realised 2,789 with 11 deaths and up to 15th July 1,486 with 2 deaths”, says Dr. Geoffrey Okello.
He also says that although the number of cases has gradually declined, the health facilities were still overwhelmed with a number of patients; mainly children and women coupled with the limited staff.
Dr. Ruth Achieng says although the ministry wouldn’t be in position to roll out an immediate round of Indoor Residual Spraying but she however said the ministry of health is committed towards consistent supply of malarial drugs and supply of mosquito nets to residents in the worst hit sub counties with high malarial burden.
The Resident District Commissioner, Captain Santo Okot Lapolo who doubles as the malarial task force chairperson pledged to embark on massive sensitisation and health education campaigns to implore residents to embrace proper health seeking behaviours of early malarial treatment, consistent utilisation of mosquito nets, clearing bushes and other vector breeding places amidst other interventions.
Dr. Ruth Achieng stressed on strengthening surveillance, revamping the home based malarial management by village health teams and computation of accurate data such that the ministry plans for immediate interventions.
Figures
In Northern Uganda, Gulu has been the hardest hit district with over 6000 cases registered followed by Kitgum district with more than 5,000 cases since the epidemic was reported in April.
As of the end of July 2015, 162 people have so far died of malaria in the entire country since the malaria incidence upsurge.
17 people have so far succumbed to malaria in Kitgum government health facilities while St Joseph hospital recorded 6 deaths in June.
1 Comment
Open unprotected drinking water sources should be inspected regularly in all the villages (Mono ngat mo tye ka ketto kwir i pii ki dano?) If possible get drinking water sorces covered properly.
Also people should be told to boil their drinking water allow to cool
Pots should be designed such that it can have tap outlets on the middle of the pots.
No adding water back into the pot after drinking – this will promote hygiene.
Translation
Myero kikong ka nget wang it ducu ki pii me amata pa lwak.
Kibed ka pimo pii kare ki kare me nenno anyai matye i iye
Kirwe bot lwak ni meno gubed ka teddo pii amata ducu wek onek kwidi matye
Lucwe agulu guket wen agulu ma kitwero dwoyo pii katti ki i kor agulu.
Dano ka gumato pii odong pe dok gucul pii guwok cen i agulu man gwoko lengo dok juko nyayo two.