Story by Joseph muyingo
Sironko District Woman MP Hon. Asha Mafabi Nabulo has called for urgent reforms in school health services, saying the fight against malaria cannot be won unless schools are equipped to properly diagnose and treat learners.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the country’s rising malaria burden, Nabulo argued that schools have become frontline centres for malaria infections, yet many lack the capacity to identify and manage cases effectively.
She warned that relying on painkillers to treat children with fever and headaches without conducting malaria tests is putting learners’ lives at risk and allowing the disease to worsen before medical attention is sought.
According to the legislator, the increasing number of malaria cases in both primary and secondary schools highlights the need for stronger health systems within educational institutions, including functional sick bays, trained health personnel and access to rapid malaria testing.
Nabulo also challenged outdated malaria statistics, saying the disease has become far more widespread than previous reports indicated, particularly among school-going children.
Her appeal adds to growing calls by Members of Parliament for the Ministries of Health and Education to work together to improve healthcare services in schools, where thousands of learners spend most of their time.
Recent findings from the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey 2024–2025 show malaria prevalence among young children has more than doubled compared to previous years, reinforcing concerns that stronger prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are needed to reduce illness and deaths.
Nabulo said investing in school-based malaria management would not only improve learners’ health but also reduce absenteeism, improve academic performance and strengthen Uganda’s broader fight against one of its deadliest diseases.
