The Ministry of Health (MOH), in partnership with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), has officially launched the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS), aimed at gathering critical data on current malaria severity and anemia across the nation.
The survey will be carried out by the MOH, with the guidance of the National Malaria Control Division (NMCD). The exercise will run under the theme Tackling the Malaria Fight: The Power of Data for a Healthier Uganda. Field implementation will be led by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), ensuring that the data collected is accurate and representative.
Additionally, the ministry noted that laboratory testing will be conducted by the National Health Laboratory Services/Central Public Health Laboratory, providing reliable results for the analysis.
According to a post by MOH on their X handle, the malaria indicator survey was launched on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the Ministry of Health gardens and listed several objectives of the survey and was designed to collect data from a nationally representative sample, focusing on several key areas.
“Understanding the prevalence of anemia and malaria and their current rates is crucial, as well as identifying factors contributing to the spread and severity of malaria and anemia,” MOH stated.
The ministry further highlighted that the survey intends to evaluate how well existing health programs are reaching the population and gauging the behavior, knowledge, and attitudes of the public in terms of understanding and their perceptions regarding malaria prevention and treatment.
“The comprehensive survey will provide both national and subnational estimates of the prevalence of these health issues, alongside assessing risk factors and program coverage,” MOH added.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing malaria control efforts in Uganda, providing essential data that will inform future health strategies and interventions. The MOH encourages all stakeholders to support the survey’s implementation for the benefit of public health in the country.
