Members of Parliament in the Parliamentary Forum on Malaria have called on the government to allocate 10% of the Health Budget specifically for fighting Malaria. They made the appeal during a joint press conference with civil society organizations fighting against Malaria.
Addressing the press ahead of the World Mosquito Day slated for 20th August on Sunday the legislators propose that at least 10% of the health sector’s budget be set aside for Malaria. They also called for more policies and laws tailored to reduce Malaria and the promotion of industries that produce products to fight the epidemic. Malaria is not only costing Uganda’s lives but also the economy; an estimated Shs2.4 trillion is lost annually in the effects of Malaria. As a result of the world bank freeze on funding to Uganda due to the enactment of the anti-gay bill, lawmakers and civil society organizations are urging the government to find alternative domestic sources of funding.
Peter Kwehangane Mbabazi- Finance and Multi-Sectoral Partnership and Coordinator, Ministry of Health has urged the public to avoid buying Chinese mosquito nets sold on the streets as they are unable to repel mosquitoes. Instead, the public is urged to look for government mosquito nets that repel mosquitoes to prevent malaria.
