As the rainy season begins in Adjumani district, health authorities are calling on residents not to relax in the fight against malaria, despite notable progress made through government interventions.
At Ayilo Health Centre III, Iceta Michael, the facility in charge, highlighted the gains achieved so far but warned of uncertainty as rains set in.
“Malaria cases have honestly been reduced due to the IRS program. Out of 100, if you test, at least you will get 25. But since it’s the rainy season, we don’t know if it might rise. Our biggest challenge as of now is the human resources on the ground to serve the entire population.”
Health officials said the seasonal rains often create favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes, raising concerns about a potential surge in infections if preventive measures are not maintained.
Dr Lulu Henry Leku, Assistant DHO in charge of Maternal Health Care, emphasised the importance of continued vigilance, especially among vulnerable groups.
“As the rainy season starts, we therefore expect people to continue to observe all the malaria prevention measures like sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets and make sure you do not have stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.”
He advised people to lear the bushes. Pregnant mothers, he said, are supposed to continue taking medication to prevent malaria complications.
“So, we want to ask all of us to ensure that even where we have done well, we need to observe all the measures that are in place. is to prevent the spread of malaria and where you are not feeling well temporary care,” Dr Leku added.
District Health Officer Dr Drametu Dominic also confirmed that health facilities are already recording a rise in cases as the rains intensify.
“When the rainy season started, we saw an increasing number of malaria cases coming to the health centre. And this is quite expected, especially when the rainy season starts and the population starts to increase.
“Despite that, I want to say overall that Adjumani made a lot of progress in the reduction of malaria burden from over 58 to 23%.” He attributed the progress to key interventions that have been rolled out across the district.
The DHO added: “Before we had the indoor residual spray, the mass net distribution, the intensified community case management for malaria and other diseases, and also Well, as a provision of So, that is said we made progress.”
“Even in terms of mortality, we have seen the number of people who die because of malaria-related cases has drastically reduced. From 80 to only six last financial year,” he added.
Even with these achievements, health experts stress that the fight against malaria is far from over. With the rains providing ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, residents are being reminded that sustained personal and community efforts remain critical in preventing a resurgence of the disease.
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