Fighting Uganda's biggest killer

How much damage can one mosquito do? We might complain about stubborn itches in summer, but in an area like rural Uganda, just one bite can lead to serious, and often deadly consequences.

This World Malaria Day, we are shedding light critical situation in Uganda, where malaria is the leading cause of death, and exploring how the fight against malaria can be better fought.

In the Otuke district in Northern Uganda, many people live with little access to services, in environments where malaria transmission is high and there is little available treatment. This region is suffering from the effects of drought and famine, and bears the scars of conflict following Uganda’s civil war.

Cassi our Manager, has witnessed the impact of the disease first hand. “The population here is very limited in terms of resources. Towards the end of the dry season especially, people often have spent all of their savings on school fees, and so when it comes to their health, they literally have to choose between food or medication. So many cases of malaria go untreated in this time.”

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bites of mosquitoes, and is potentially life threatening without sufficient diagnosis and treatment. Malaria transmission also carries a societal and economic cost, causing children to miss out on school and leaving families without an income. 

Love Mercy plays just one part in the global fight against malaria, providing treatment to those who need it most. It is in the Otuke district that Love Mercy established the very first health clinic, the Kristina Health Centre, in 2012. Since opening, the clinic has treated almost 600 patients each month, many suffering symptoms of malaria.

Just last year, the clinic treated 11-month-old Rachel. Her mother heard that the clinic was the best in the area, and so carried her baby 20 km to reach the clinic. Rachel arrived with severe malaria and diarrhoea, and was prescribed appropriate medications and given a saline drip. Two days later, she was discharged in restored health.

Her mother was overjoyed, and says, ‘I was so happy with the services I was able to access.’

Providing easily accessibly, affordable, quality services is one key to unlocking the stranglehold that marlaira has on lives in these areas. Education also has another important part to play, with awarenessneeded around the use of nets and early detection.

This coming World Malaria Day, we are seeking new donors to partner with Love Mercy in providing basic healthcare treatment to those in regional Uganda, and to grow our facilities.

To make a tax deductible donationand enable us to continue to save lives, follow this link.

Alternatively, join our Sutherland to Surf team on July 19^th as we aim to raise $100,000 to continue to fight against preventable diseases such as malaria through the Kristina Health Centre.