Working to make malaria control faster, cheaper, and safer to achieve national elimination-- in Uganda and beyond.
Learn MoreShining a spotlight on the communities most at risk for NTDs to improve delivery strategies.
Learn MoreBringing hands-on, project-based STEAM learning to the rural Ugandan classroom.
Learn More
Malaria remains a substantial public health challenge and economic burden on Ugandan communities, impacting individuals, families, and national productivity. According to the World Health Organization's 2023 Malaria Report, Uganda recorded approximately 597,000 new malaria cases in 2022, contributing to the global total of 249 million cases across 85 malaria-endemic countries. Uganda accounted for about 5.1% of global cases and roughly 3.2% of malaria deaths, highlighting the significant strain on its health system.
Globally, malaria case incidence was approximately 58 per 1,000 population at risk in 2022, showing a slight increase from previous years. The WHO African Region remains disproportionately affected, housing 94% of all malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths worldwide. Uganda’s contribution to these statistics underscores the significant toll that malaria continues to take on its population and the urgent need for improved control and prevention efforts (World Malaria Report 2023).
For a typical Ugandan family, a single malaria episode costs about UGX 33,500 (approximately $9)—3% of their annual income. When multiple infections occur each year, families in malaria-endemic areas may spend up to 25% of their household income on prevention and treatment. This financial strain results in lost workdays, lower productivity, and reduced school attendance, further exacerbating poverty and hardship.
On a larger scale, industries and agricultural sectors suffer from reduced labor productivity, and potential investors are hesitant to engage in countries with high malaria prevalence, hindering growth and development.
With the increasing challenge of mosquito resistance to insecticides and antimalarial drugs, coupled with the unpredictable effects of climate change, Uganda faces an urgent need to explore new tools and strategies in its malaria control efforts. Emerging innovations, such as recently developed vaccines and genetic methods, bring hope for sustainable malaria reduction. The WHO has highlighted that such innovations, including the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, could make a significant difference, especially in highly endemic regions. However, scaling up these solutions requires substantial investment in research, development, and broader public health infrastructure to ensure that they reach all communities effectively.
Expanding Uganda’s arsenal against malaria involves not only adopting new technologies but also securing continuous funding to address evolving challenges. The time to act is now—combatting malaria isn't just about saving lives, it's about protecting Uganda's economic potential and empowering communities for a brighter tomorrow.
Congratulations to Soroti Municipal SS on their outstanding progress in the Ugandan National STEM and VEX Robotics Championship! They're among 24 schools competing in this groundbreaking event, which aims to empower Uganda's next generation of innovators.The championship promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and potential, with the top five teams earning a spot to represent Uganda at the VEX Robotics World Robotics Championship in Dallas, USA, next year! Let's cheer on Soroti Municipal SS as they showcase their skills and creativity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!
Empowering Voices That Might Otherwise Go Unheard!The future of Uganda depends on our collective action against malaria. Let’s support the next generation’s call to end this preventable disease!
