Mbarara District is making strides in the fight against malaria. Cases have dropped from 1,194 in January to 927 in March 2025. But even as the numbers fall, mothers at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV are raising concerns.
There are no mosquito nets above their beds—a situation they fear could trigger a surge in malaria cases among newborns as the rainy season intensifies.
The maternity ward at Bwizibwera HCIV, as well as other wards, currently has no mosquito nets in use, despite the facility having them in stock.
“On reaching here at the hospital, there were no nets, yet pregnant women are advised to sleep in nets. There are no comfortable beds,” said a mother from Kagongi.
Kobusingye from Kitura added: “There are no mosquito nets. Mosquitoes feed on us. Infants get sick day and night. Just three days after birth, a child suffers malaria and has to be put on a cannula.
The beds are also uncomfortable and we are always praying mothers do not fall off.”
Some mothers, however, remain grateful despite the challenges.
“I am grateful I have my two children. I’m just waiting to be discharged and go home,” said one relieved mother.
Across various government health facilities, mosquito nets remain locked away or unused. While stock is available, some facility managers fear hanging them due to infection control concerns. The question lingers: Who cleans these nets, and how often? Until a clear plan is established, some facilities choose to leave them in storage rather than risk disease transmission.
Assistant District Health Officer for Mbarara District, Erastus Tugume acknowledged the challenges but emphasised the district’s ongoing efforts.
“The district is currently making progress in ensuring that we reduce malaria,” he said.
He attributed the decline in cases to the distribution of treated mosquito nets to pregnant women and children at immunisation points, as well as mass distribution campaigns.
“As a district, we are doing all efforts possible so that we have this malaria burden reduced,” Tugume added.
In response to the concerns at Bwizibwera, Tugume noted that all public health facilities should install the nets they have in stock.
He also cautioned against misusing mosquito nets for household chores like poultry.
With rains increasing, Tugume noted the urgency of community involvement.
“We need to improve our efforts to reduce malaria incidences because bushes will grow and stagnant waters will increase—these are breeding places,” he said.
Communities are now being urged to clear bushes and drain stagnant water to prevent a potential malaria resurgence.