Rotary family carnival: A united front to end malaria in Uganda
The fight against malaria, one of Uganda’s deadliest diseases, received a major boost as Rotarians and their partners gathered for the Rotary Family Carnival in Kampala.
The colourful event, featuring music, cultural performances, and interactive exhibits, united families, communities, and stakeholders in a common cause: eliminating malaria and achieving a malaria-free Uganda by 2030.
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The carnival not only celebrated Rotary’s ongoing efforts but also served as a platform to mobilize resources and raise awareness.
Blood donation drives and educational sessions underscored the critical role of community involvement in tackling the disease.
Kenneth Mugisha, Past District Governor of Rotary District 9214 and Board Chairman of Free Malaria Uganda, reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to eradicating malaria.
“Our goal is a malaria-free Uganda by 2030. This Rotary Family Carnival is about mobilising resources to make that vision a reality. Together, we can defeat malaria,” Mugisha emphasised.
Rotary’s initiatives with partners have already made a significant impact, with Eco Bank investing over Shs 500 million in malaria prevention strategies over the past three years.
This includes mosquito nets, testing kits, and educational programs. Additionally, Rotary donated equipment worth Shs 1.3 billion to blood banks, including Nakasero Blood Bank, to ensure timely medical responses in malaria-endemic regions.
Grace Muliisa, Managing Director of Eco Bank, one of the partners at the event, highlighted the importance of private sector involvement.
“We are proud to be part of this impactful initiative. Beyond investing in equipment and mosquito nets, we aim to educate and empower communities to take charge of their health,” she stated.
Regions like Soroti and Katakwi, identified as hotspots for mosquito breeding, are at the center of Rotary’s outreach efforts. Community members are being educated on simple but effective preventive measures, such as planting malaria-repellent plants and improving sanitation practices.
Mugisha reiterated the importance of community action:
“We urge everyone to take small but impactful steps, like planting malaria-repellent plants, which can significantly reduce mosquito breeding.”
The Rotary Family Carnival demonstrated the power of partnerships in addressing Uganda’s health challenges. With the private sector, community members, and organisations like Rotary working together, the funds collected from mobilisation will go toward malaria prevention initiatives and be directed to the places most affected by the disease.
