Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called on the government to intensify malaria prevention efforts in schools, citing alarming infection rates among learners.
Speaking at the flag-off of the 3rd Malaria Walk in Kampala, Tayebwa emphasized the need for targeted interventions such as spraying school dormitories and classrooms. He referenced recent Ministry of Health data that highlights school-going children as a high-risk group for malaria.
Tayebwa, who is the patron of the Parliamentary Forum on Malaria, said Uganda can eliminate malaria with increased investment in prevention, research, and innovation.
"A malaria-free Uganda is possible," he stated, urging all stakeholders to support government strategies that reduce the disease burden.
He also encouraged parents to take their children for malaria testing before the school term begins and to embrace the newly introduced malaria vaccine.
Tayebwa pointed to countries like China as examples of successful malaria eradication and called on Uganda to learn from their experience.
