The latest World Malaria Report, released by the World Health Organization (WHO), paints a vivid picture of the global battle against malaria, and Uganda stands out as one of the higher-rise countries. Despite decades of intervention, malaria remains a major cause of illness and death in Uganda, especially among children under the age of 5 and pregnant women. The disease, transmitted by non-apologetic female anofel mosquitoes, continues to challenge public health, economic development and social progress.
Malaria burden in Uganda
According to the report, Uganda has a population of nearly 50 million, accounting for 5% of malaria cases and 3% of malaria-related deaths worldwide. Surprisingly, according to page 151 of the report, Uganda leads the East and South African countries with a high transmission rate of 23% of malaria cases, with even Mozambique in second place with 19%. It’s not like a competition that everyone wants to win.
The economic sacrifice of malaria is just as amazing. The family loses their loved ones, and employment is diverted to combat malaria, the roads, resources that may have contributed to the construction of the school. Children – Major Victims of Malaria – Losing access to education, young children often die (80% of malaria deaths are children under the age of 5). Pregnant women are at a higher risk of losing their baby and their lives, as malaria during pregnancy is at serious risk.
Current intervention
The Ugandan government, along with partners like WHO, has declared a fight against malaria. This includes distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), spraying indoor residual insecticides (IRSs), and ensuring early diagnosis with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Treatment relies heavily on artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTS).
These measures show results, but malaria prevalence has slightly decreased over the past decade, but challenges such as pesticide resistance, inadequate care in remote areas and lack of funding have hampered progress. Needless to say, put the kids to sleep under a mosquito net and prevent fishermen from using it as one of their gear to trap silverfish known as “Mukene.”
Gene Drive Technology: Game Changer?
Among these challenges, hope emerges in the form of a genetic technology called “gene drive,” which is currently under development and is being defended by target malaria at the Uganda Virus Institute in Entebbe. This cutting-edge approach involves genetic modifications to Anopheles Gambiae Mosquito, the leading malaria carrier in Uganda.
Gene Drive aims to destroy mosquito populations by ensuring genetic changes such as female infertility and abundant male offspring. Over time, this will significantly reduce the population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, along with malaria infection. The highly recognized scientists, biologists and mosquito experts in the field are working hard at the Uganda Virus Institute and have made this tool available after having one field assessment. Gene Drive, coupled with existing interventions, is a promising tool that, as one recent study suggests, could significantly reduce malaria cases. Dr. Kayon Do Jonathan, lead researcher at Target Malaria Uganda, said, “Gene Drive Technology is not a standalone solution, it is a complementary tool. In combination with existing interventions, it can approach malaria-free Uganda.”
Frontline Community
Target Malaria Uganda recognizes that groundbreaking technology makes little sense without community buy-in. Stakeholder engagement is central to the project’s work, and it is important to ensure that people understand the project’s mission, values and goals. We were honored to receive a visit from stakeholders from the Lwazi Jaana, Kansambwe and the Lwazi Bubeke Islands on the lake recently. It was an opportunity to discuss the activities and research stages of target malaria and deepen the relationship between the project and the community.
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The road ahead
The fight against malaria requires continuous investment, innovation and community involvement. Traditional interventions like ITNS and ACT are extremely important, but integration of new tools such as Gene Drive technology proves to be transformative.
The World Malaria report calls for global solidarity and increased funding to eliminate malaria that Uganda cannot ignore. While the dream of Uganda without malaria may sound ambitious, innovative interventions offer faint hope for highly-struggling countries such as Uganda.
When all stakeholders (government, researchers, communities) come together, we can work to make that dream a reality for us or the next generation.
