By Ugasite
The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Friday launched the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) under the theme: “Tracking the Malaria Fight: The Power of Data for a Healthier Uganda.”
The survey, which is expected to take about two months, will target 15 regions, including South and North Central, Kampala, Busoga, Bukedi, Bugisu, Teso, Karamoja, Acholi, West Nile, Kigezi, Tooro, Bunyoro, and Ankole, as well as refugee camps.
The MIS aims to provide national and sub-national estimates of anemia and malaria prevalence, risk factors, program coverage, and behavioral, knowledge, and attitude indicators. The findings will be based on a nationally representative sample.
Speaking at the event, Health Minister Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng emphasized the importance of the survey in gathering population-based malaria data to guide government decision-making in the fight against the disease.
“This Malaria Indicator Survey is very timely. The data generated will inform the design and deployment of intensified strategies toward malaria elimination by 2030, as committed by the Ministry of Health and the Government of Uganda,” said Hon Aceng.
She added: “Next year, malaria vaccines are expected to play a significant role in malaria management. While they will primarily target children, I hope they also include the elderly. I’d be the first to get vaccinated.”
The survey will be implemented by the Ministry of Health under the guidance of the National Malaria Control Division (NMCD). Fieldwork will be led by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), while laboratory testing will be carried out by the National Health Laboratory Services and the Central Public Health Laboratory.