The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness Wilberforce Gabula Kadhumbula Nadiope IV has joined a countrywide campaign against malaria.
HRH Gabula IV in conjunction with partners including Josu Link and SD Biosensor have so far donated to government a total of 100,000 malaria testing kits.
On Wednesday, Gabula said during the launch of the National campaign against malaria committed to extend huge support in a bid to reducing the current malarial prevalence in the country.
Kyabazinga further committed to mobilise his subjects to embrace voluntary blood donation ensure adequate supply for severely affected malaria patients, especially infants and pregnant women.
He also urged government through the Ministry of health to consider establishing a regional blood bank in Busoga region.
While receiving the donation on behalf of government, health Minister Dr Jane Aceng said it was timely and shall surely support war against malaria.
She appreciated Kyabazinga and his partners for the initiative towards reducing malaria prevalence in the country.
Minister noted that a total of 71 districts had reported an upsurge in malaria cases within the recent months.
Present at the launch of the campaign were Dr Diana Atwiine, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, Director General of Health Services among other senior dignitaries.
Malaria case incidence reduced from 81 in 2000 to 59 in 2015 and 56 in 2019, before increasing again to 59 in 2020. Globally, malaria deaths reduced steadily over the period 2000–2019, from 896 000 in 2000 to 562 000 in 2015 and to 558 000 in 2019. In 2020, malaria deaths increased by 12% compared with 2019.