By RFIPalled on 14-08-2019Modified on 14-08-2019 at 23:29
The Ugandan Ministry of Health announced earlier this week a resurgence of malaria cases in the country. Authorities reported 1.4 million cases between June and August, 40 percent more than last year at the same time.
More rainfall, higher temperatures, and malaria are gaining ground across Uganda.
The northern regions of the country are particularly affected. But cities that had so far had a very low rate of malaria are also affected. In Kampala, for example, where the incidence is usually less than 1%, a record number of cases of severe malaria were recorded, with a jump of 60% over the previous year.
According to the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the vast majority of patients had previously traveled to areas highly affected by the disease. Their immune defenses were weaker, they are more vulnerable.
The number of deaths, on the other hand, remains relatively stable. Malaria has killed 1,600 people since the beginning of the year in Uganda. That's 200 more deaths than in 2018.
Uganda is not the only country affected. Burundi is also experiencing an alarming outbreak of the disease in its territory, where nearly one in two people is conerned .
In any case, the government is showing its efforts to cope with the disease: stocks of medicines are being built for the next eight months and a new mosquito net campaign will be launched.
The Ministry of Health also says it works closely with meteorological services to address the health challenges of climate change.
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