As the world observed World Malaria Day on Friday, a Ugandan health official highlighted China's significant role in supporting Uganda's goal to eradicate malaria by 2030.
Jimmy Opigo, head of the National Malaria Control Division at the Ministry of Health, shared in an interview with Xinhua that Uganda is eager to learn from China's success in reducing annual malaria cases from around 30 million in the 1940s to zero by 2017.
In 2021, the World Health Organization declared China malaria-free, making it the 40th nation globally to achieve this milestone.
Opigo noted that China has been instrumental in Uganda's fight against malaria, a disease that claims 70,000 to 100,000 lives annually in the country, with pregnant women and children being the most vulnerable.
The 2024 World Malaria Report revealed that Uganda remains a high-burden malaria country, recording 12.6 million cases in 2023, placing it among the most affected nations worldwide.
Opigo emphasized the critical role of Chinese innovations, such as artemisinin-based combination therapies and injectable artesunate, in combating malaria. He highlighted Coartem, an antimalarial drug developed in China, as a key contribution.
In February last year, China responded to Uganda's urgent request by donating 500,000 packs of anti-malaria medicines worth 1.1 million U.S. dollars. The Chinese embassy described health sector cooperation as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, noting that China has been sending medical teams to Uganda since 1983 to share expertise and treat local communities.
Opigo praised China's "1-3-7" malaria elimination strategy, which involves reporting cases within one day, investigating and tracing contacts within three days, and treating and controlling the affected area within seven days. Uganda has adapted this approach into a community-based model to manage cases and reduce transmission.
China is also piloting an anti-malaria project in Uganda, establishing malaria elimination demonstration zones in Kamwege, Luwero, Nakaseke, Buliisa, and Rukiga districts, where elimination medicines are being administered.
Additionally, Chinese company Yorkool, a leading producer of long-lasting insecticidal-treated mosquito nets, is set to supply Uganda with over 15 million nets through the Global Fund next year. Treated mosquito nets remain a cornerstone of Uganda's malaria control strategy.
Opigo expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership between Uganda and China, which spans various sectors, including trade, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine. He emphasized that this collaboration is now extending to malaria elimination, underscoring China's vital role in Uganda's efforts to combat the disease.
The official expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership between Uganda and China, which spans various sectors such as trade, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine. He highlighted that this collaboration is now extending to malaria elimination, with Uganda actively working alongside China to combat the disease.
