US launches programme to control malaria

The United States has launched a five-year programme aimed at reducing malaria-related deaths in Uganda by 50 percent in three years, the US embassy in the capital, Kampala, said on Tuesday.

The US Government Malaria Initiative in Uganda will see up to US $10 million spent on the programme in 2006.

"The goal of this initiative is to reduce malaria-related deaths by 50 percent after three years of implementation," the embassy said in a statement.

The initiative hopes to reach 85 percent of the most vulnerable groups - children under five years of age, pregnant women, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

"Interventions will include distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets; indoor residual spraying; intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women; and provision of malarial treatment," the embassy noted.

It is part of a larger initiative that includes three countries: Angola, Tanzania and Uganda.

"In 2007, an additional four countries will be added, and in 2008 another four will join. Funding for the first three countries will total $30 million in 2006 funds, of which Uganda is positioned to receive between $8 and $10 million," it added.

The programme would be implemented through the existing malaria control programme to address a priority health concern, the embassy said.

According to the Ugandan Ministry of Health, site visits were carried out in the northern district of Kitgum and Kabale in the southwest to look at existing and planned malaria interventions, before the project could start.

A programme to boost malaria prevention with long-lasting insecticide nets and case management with treatment - focused on northern Uganda, especially in the internally displaced persons' camps - is being finalised as the first jump-start activity.