Hoima and Bugiri districts have emerged as the most affected areas in Uganda in the fight against Bilharzia, as the Ministry of Health concludes a pilot study for a new child-friendly treatment targeting children aged two to five years.
The new treatment, Pediatric Praziquantel, was tested between March and May 2025 in Hoima District, specifically in Buseruka and Kiganja sub-counties, under a program approved by the World Health Organization.
The drug, developed in tablet form by a Brazilian pharmaceutical company, is tailored for young children, who are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
Dr Hilda Kyarisiima, Senior Medical Officer in the Vector Control Division at the Ministry of Health, said the pilot study marks a turning point in Uganda’s control efforts.
“This drug is a game changer in the treatment of children who are most affected by Bilharzia in Hoima and Bugiri, where the disease is endemic,” said Dr Kyarisiima. “It is classified as a neglected tropical disease because it mainly affects underserved communities.”
The pilot achieved high coverage in both sub-counties. In Buseruka, 1,313 out of 1,491 registered children were treated—an 88.1 percent success rate
. In Kiganja, 1,132 out of 1,314 children received treatment, representing 86.1 percent coverage. Both figures surpass the 75 percent treatment threshold recommended by the WHO.
Treatment was conducted in Rwentare Village, Tonya Parish in Buseruka, and Kibiro in Kiganja Sub-county—areas situated along Lake Albert, where Bilharzia prevalence is high due to poor sanitation and frequent water contact.
Thomas Isingoma, the Hoima District Vector Control Officer, commended the Ministry of Health for prioritizing research and intervention in hard-hit areas.
Hoima District Vice Chairperson Hellen Mulumba said the pilot project has renewed hope among residents, who have battled the disease for decades.
“This program should be integrated into the Ministry of Health’s regular budgets to ensure the drugs are consistently available in affected districts,” Mulumba said.
Hoima Deputy Resident District Commissioner Michael Kyakashari attributed the persistent disease burden to poor sanitation, especially in fishing communities along Lake Albert.
“Local leaders need to mobilize residents on sanitation, especially increasing latrine coverage,” he said. “Hoima should not be known for diseases like Bilharzia. We must act now.”
Bilharzia, also known as Schistosomiasis, is a parasitic disease spread through contact with contaminated water.
It affects over 7.4 million people in Uganda, particularly in fishing villages and rural areas lacking basic sanitation.
With the success of the pilot, health officials hope the pediatric formulation of Praziquantel will be rolled out nationwide to bolster Uganda’s ongoing efforts against neglected tropical diseases.