Residents of Nalukero Village, Bulange Sub-County in Namutumba District, are embracing the smart home model as part of a malaria intervention to combat the disease in their households. Earlier this year, Mazuba and Bulange sub-counties in Namutumba district experienced an outbreak of severe malaria, resulting in the loss of several children’s lives.
This prompted immediate action from the Ministry of Health and civil society organizations such as the USAID Social and Behavior Change Activity (USAID SBCA) to address the outbreak. Pearl Kobusingye, the Technical Specialist in Malaria, Nutrition, and WASH at USAID SBCA, explained that various interventions have been employed.
They have collaborated with stakeholders and Village Health Teams (VHT) to support households experiencing frequent malaria episodes in becoming malaria-smart homes.
A malaria smart home is defined as a household that implements preventive measures and remains free of malaria episodes for at least 3 to 6 months. Kobusingye emphasized that these homes are being supported as model homes to spread these efforts throughout the community.
Hasifa Nakirima, a 52-year-old mother of eight from Nalukero village, Bulange sub-county, shared her experience of frequent malaria episodes in her family, leading to financial strain and domestic issues. After consulting a VHT and learning about malaria interventions, including integrated community case management, Nakirima’s family saw a reduction in malaria cases, leading to decreased expenses and improved financial stability.
Jeremiah Gomboniro, the malaria focal person in Namutumba district, highlighted the district’s efforts in combating malaria through various strategies, including Indoor Residual Spraying, mosquito net distribution, and integrated case management.
Despite challenges such as a shortage of medical supplies in 2023, interventions have helped reduce malaria cases in the district.
Dr. James Kirya, the District Health Officer, acknowledged the impact of interventions and improved case management in reducing malaria cases. He emphasized the importance of correct information dissemination and political will in the fight against malaria.
Beatrice Nansweza, a nurse at Nsinze Health Center IV, noted that despite interventions, malaria cases persist in the district, with children under five being the most affected group.
As Uganda commemorates World Malaria Day, Dr. Charles Ntege, the principal entomologist from the Ministry of Health, reported on recent malaria prevalence and confirmed cases in various districts, underscoring the ongoing challenge of malaria in the region.
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