Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has called for the establishment of basic malaria testing laboratories in school sick bays and dispensaries to improve early diagnosis and prevent malaria-related deaths among learners.
Tayebwa made the appeal while flagging off the annual Malaria Walk in Kampala on Sunday, saying schools need minimum laboratory facilities to detect malaria before cases become life-threatening.
The walk started at Parliament and attracted Members of Parliament, diplomats, civil society organisations, pupils and other stakeholders committed to eliminating malaria.
Tayebwa said equipping school health units with basic testing laboratories would strengthen the country's first line of defence against the disease.
He noted that early diagnosis would help prevent deaths that have recently been reported in schools.
The Deputy Speaker reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to supporting the fight against malaria through increased funding, advocacy and stronger investment in the health sector.
"We have continued to champion increased investment in the fight against malaria through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and stronger support for our health facilities," Tayebwa said.
He added that Parliament's efforts have contributed to increased funding for the recruitment of more health workers to improve disease prevention and response.
"I am encouraged that these efforts have contributed to additional funding for recruiting more health workers, thereby strengthening our capacity to respond to and prevent diseases," he said.
Tayebwa described the Malaria Walk as a national call to action, urging every Ugandan to play a role in eliminating the disease.
"No one plans to contract malaria, yet it continues to claim lives every day, particularly among young children and pregnant women, while placing an enormous burden on families and our health system," Tayebwa said.
He also warned that climate change is expected to make malaria control more challenging, citing concerns raised by scientists about changing disease transmission patterns.
Despite the emerging challenges, Tayebwa welcomed Uganda's growing capacity to locally manufacture malaria rapid diagnostic test kits.
"It is equally encouraging to see Uganda now producing its own malaria rapid diagnostic test kits which reduces our dependence on imports and strengthens our local capacity to fight the disease," he said.
He urged all stakeholders to sustain collective efforts to reduce malaria infections and save lives through early detection, prevention and timely treatment.
