By Gonza Ssensamba
National Secretary - Education Planning, Research & Organization Committee
As part of the In - Service Training Programme organized by Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), Gonza arranged a field visit for UNATU’s colleagues from the Canadian Teacher’s Federation (CTF) to one of the rural primary schools in the Universal Primary Education (UPE) scheme on 9th July 2010. On their way to the school found in Wakiso district, they were worried that their courtesy visit would disrupt pupils from their lessons as it was a schooling day. However, to their surprise, on arrival at the school at 3.00pm, they found all the pupils in the school compound and not in class at all. The reason – the school does not provide unch and the pupils were hungry and could not concentrate in class.
The above scenario is most unfortunate. UNATU’s findings show that 68%of the pupils in Primary schools do not offer any mid-day meals to the pupils. What kind of professionals is the country training, when starved children cannot concentrate on their studies. It is also true that many pupils are dropping out of school because they are not able to study on empty stomachs.
A number of UPE schools have private feeding programmes but many parents particularly in the rural areas cannot afford to pay even the minimal cost of a simple ‘meal’ of porridge from maize flour nor pack food for the children! Such children cannot study and prepare to compete well in the national examinations, hence fail to go beyond the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE).
Sunday, July 10, 2011
THERE IS NEED TO EVOLVE A SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME
By Gonza Ssensamba
National Secretary - Education Planning, Research & Organization Committee
As part of the In - Service Training Programme organized by Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), Gonza arranged a field visit for UNATU’s colleagues from the Canadian Teacher’s Federation (CTF) to one of the rural primary schools in the Universal Primary Education (UPE) scheme on 9th July 2010. On their way to the school found in Wakiso district, they were worried that their courtesy visit would disrupt pupils from their lessons as it was a schooling day. However, to their surprise, on arrival at the school at 3.00pm, they found all the pupils in the school compound and not in class at all. The reason – the school does not provide unch and the pupils were hungry and could not concentrate in class.
The above scenario is most unfortunate. UNATU’s findings show that 68%of the pupils in Primary schools do not offer any mid-day meals to the pupils. What kind of professionals is the country training, when starved children cannot concentrate on their studies. It is also true that many pupils are dropping out of school because they are not able to study on empty stomachs.
A number of UPE schools have private feeding programmes but many parents particularly in the rural areas cannot afford to pay even the minimal cost of a simple ‘meal’ of porridge from maize flour nor pack food for the children! Such children cannot study and prepare to compete well in the national examinations, hence fail to go beyond the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE).
National Secretary - Education Planning, Research & Organization Committee
As part of the In - Service Training Programme organized by Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), Gonza arranged a field visit for UNATU’s colleagues from the Canadian Teacher’s Federation (CTF) to one of the rural primary schools in the Universal Primary Education (UPE) scheme on 9th July 2010. On their way to the school found in Wakiso district, they were worried that their courtesy visit would disrupt pupils from their lessons as it was a schooling day. However, to their surprise, on arrival at the school at 3.00pm, they found all the pupils in the school compound and not in class at all. The reason – the school does not provide unch and the pupils were hungry and could not concentrate in class.
The above scenario is most unfortunate. UNATU’s findings show that 68%of the pupils in Primary schools do not offer any mid-day meals to the pupils. What kind of professionals is the country training, when starved children cannot concentrate on their studies. It is also true that many pupils are dropping out of school because they are not able to study on empty stomachs.
A number of UPE schools have private feeding programmes but many parents particularly in the rural areas cannot afford to pay even the minimal cost of a simple ‘meal’ of porridge from maize flour nor pack food for the children! Such children cannot study and prepare to compete well in the national examinations, hence fail to go beyond the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE).
REVAMPING PTA’s IN UGANDA AND UNDERTAKING AN INVENTORY OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Parents and Teachers Association (PTA’s) in Uganda schools are an evolution of the post President Idi Amin administration. When the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF) overthrew Idi Amin in 1979, most schools were in a sorry state and given that there was no ready money from Government to help better the state of affairs, Government aided schools made individual appeals to the Ministry of Education to allow the parents to get involved in re – vitalizing the schools. It is on record that the journey was not smooth. At St. Mary’s College Kisubi in an attempt to block the administration from moving on with the innovation, the school came up with some threats to Government in case the innovation was not given chance, they were eventually cleared. It is true that from then on wards, Government aided schools took on the innovation of PTA’s. The PTA have been able to see to the smooth running of many schools where they are, and much of the innovations in these schools are a result of what PTA’s endorse, however, many parents are a victim of powerful parents who together with the head teacher come up with motions which are not flexible but parents have to accept them as long as they want their children to remain in these schools. There are instances where parents are not free to give their mind in these meetings with the fear that they could be noted and their children eventually victimized. It is true that many PTA’s actually lack democracy, what normally occurs is endorsing pre – determined positions by a powerful clique in schools.
The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education & Sports has allocated funds for consultancy services for reviewing the viability of Parents’ and Teachers’ Associations (PTA’s) with a possibility of revamping them and undertaking an inventory of voluntary community participation.
My input into this innovation is:
1) It is best to come up with a uniform constitution of PTA’s to be followed by all schools where they are;
2) The parents should have an avenue to the Ministry of Education where they refer their grievances more so that some PTA authorities are dictators who just want parents to be at the receiving end;
3) It would be great for members of the community to participate in PTA’s, however, at secondary level, it may be a bit hard, though at Primary level it is easier to encourage all the members of the community to have the feeling of concern for the better health of the school and hence get involved through community dialogue;
4) Community initiatives may not be easily incorporated into PTA arrangements because the PTA mobilizes immediate beneficiaries to the status quo of the school through the students/children taught and in most instances the meeting has budgets where all parents are expected to make an equal contribution be it in the putting up of a new building, the payment of teachers who are not on the Government pay roll, which includes the extra teachers schools incorporated to teach the 4th Principal at HSC which is uncalled for;
5) The PTA should get democratic the way they choose leadership so that all parents are given an opportunity to vote for the office bearers and these should be different from the School Board of Governors which is the case in some schools where some on the Board of Governors also feature on the PTA Board;
6) It is also important for the parents to be aware of the agenda in the forthcoming PTA meeting so that they are not just ambushed;
7) Government should be transparent so that the parents know exactly what the Government is shouldering and what they should help in. This is critical where Universal Secondary Education (USE) exists, as well as Universal Primary Education (UPE) Schools which have PTA arrangements. This is against the Presidents weight of UPE as a big contribution to these schools such that those parents who take the Presidents word end up uncooperative when the school administration asks for funds to see the school run in a satisfactory manner
The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education & Sports has allocated funds for consultancy services for reviewing the viability of Parents’ and Teachers’ Associations (PTA’s) with a possibility of revamping them and undertaking an inventory of voluntary community participation.
My input into this innovation is:
1) It is best to come up with a uniform constitution of PTA’s to be followed by all schools where they are;
2) The parents should have an avenue to the Ministry of Education where they refer their grievances more so that some PTA authorities are dictators who just want parents to be at the receiving end;
3) It would be great for members of the community to participate in PTA’s, however, at secondary level, it may be a bit hard, though at Primary level it is easier to encourage all the members of the community to have the feeling of concern for the better health of the school and hence get involved through community dialogue;
4) Community initiatives may not be easily incorporated into PTA arrangements because the PTA mobilizes immediate beneficiaries to the status quo of the school through the students/children taught and in most instances the meeting has budgets where all parents are expected to make an equal contribution be it in the putting up of a new building, the payment of teachers who are not on the Government pay roll, which includes the extra teachers schools incorporated to teach the 4th Principal at HSC which is uncalled for;
5) The PTA should get democratic the way they choose leadership so that all parents are given an opportunity to vote for the office bearers and these should be different from the School Board of Governors which is the case in some schools where some on the Board of Governors also feature on the PTA Board;
6) It is also important for the parents to be aware of the agenda in the forthcoming PTA meeting so that they are not just ambushed;
7) Government should be transparent so that the parents know exactly what the Government is shouldering and what they should help in. This is critical where Universal Secondary Education (USE) exists, as well as Universal Primary Education (UPE) Schools which have PTA arrangements. This is against the Presidents weight of UPE as a big contribution to these schools such that those parents who take the Presidents word end up uncooperative when the school administration asks for funds to see the school run in a satisfactory manner
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE APPROVED NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOSAFETY POLICY OF UGANDA Source: The Science Times - May to July 2008
What was the rationale for the formulation of the National Biotechnology and Bio-safety Policy?
Uganda actively participated in the negotiations and subsequently ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety which comes from the Convention on Biological Diversity. One of the key obligations is to put in place policy, legal and institutional framework for controlling risks associated with development and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The existing legal regime in Uganda was inadequate to handle matters regarding modern bio-technology and GMOs. The rationale is a means of contributing to increasing food production to feed the increasing population.
Do we have any Biotechnology activities in Uganda that the policy is to regulate/
Biotechnology is going on at a fast rate: In the medical field; recombinant DNA HIV vaccine is already in clinical trials. Imported Insulin used by diabetic patients is a product of biotechnology.
In Agriculture, genetic modification of bananas to resist a number of diseases including the banana bacterial wilt is being conducted at the National Agricultural
Bio-technology Centre at Kawanda. Other crops being researched on using bio-technology include beans, cassava, maize and cotton.
In the Environment sector, the Bio-technology Laboratory at the Institute of Environment is conducting a number of studies on wildlife.
What is the goal of the Biotechnology and Bio-safety Policy?
To contribute to the national goals of poverty eradication, improved healthcare, food security, industrialization and protection of the environment through safe application of modern Bio-technology.
What does the approved policy provide for now?
It provides for the following:
To build and strengthen national capacity in bio-technology through Government funding of research and development in modern bio-technology;
To promote utilization of modern bio-technology products and processes as tools for national development;
To provide regulatory and institutional framework for safe sustainable bio-technology development and applications and ensure safety and ethical standards are maintained during the development and application of modern biotechnology.
Uganda actively participated in the negotiations and subsequently ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety which comes from the Convention on Biological Diversity. One of the key obligations is to put in place policy, legal and institutional framework for controlling risks associated with development and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The existing legal regime in Uganda was inadequate to handle matters regarding modern bio-technology and GMOs. The rationale is a means of contributing to increasing food production to feed the increasing population.
Do we have any Biotechnology activities in Uganda that the policy is to regulate/
Biotechnology is going on at a fast rate: In the medical field; recombinant DNA HIV vaccine is already in clinical trials. Imported Insulin used by diabetic patients is a product of biotechnology.
In Agriculture, genetic modification of bananas to resist a number of diseases including the banana bacterial wilt is being conducted at the National Agricultural
Bio-technology Centre at Kawanda. Other crops being researched on using bio-technology include beans, cassava, maize and cotton.
In the Environment sector, the Bio-technology Laboratory at the Institute of Environment is conducting a number of studies on wildlife.
What is the goal of the Biotechnology and Bio-safety Policy?
To contribute to the national goals of poverty eradication, improved healthcare, food security, industrialization and protection of the environment through safe application of modern Bio-technology.
What does the approved policy provide for now?
It provides for the following:
To build and strengthen national capacity in bio-technology through Government funding of research and development in modern bio-technology;
To promote utilization of modern bio-technology products and processes as tools for national development;
To provide regulatory and institutional framework for safe sustainable bio-technology development and applications and ensure safety and ethical standards are maintained during the development and application of modern biotechnology.
CLUBS COMMITTED TO LIFE FOR BEING HIV NEGATIVE THROUGH FELLOWSHIP
In an effort to counter the spread of HIV in Uganda, it is possible to evolve School Clubs; that is, Clubs Committed to Life for Being HIV Negative through Fellowship. The idea borrows from the practice by members of the East African Revival (locally known as the ‘Balokole’), whose norms when observed by members lead not only to stable married families, but also keep at bay the chances of contracting HIV through sex.
CLUBS COMMITTED TO LIFE FOR BEING HIV NEGATIVE THROUGH FELLOWSHIP
If school going children/students are encouraged to join the Clubs Committed to Life for Being HIV Negative through Fellowship with do’s and don’t well stipulated as well as constant regular fellowshipping as is done by the members of the East African Revival, chances are that the children can live a life without HIV till death.
The idea of using the model of the East African Revival in Clubs Committed for Life to Being HIV Negative through Fellowship, is a creative approach to keep children through youthful life to old age free of HIV contracted sexually because it has been very successful with people who have kept the norms of the East African Revival and what we have seen (I myself being a child from such a family) is stable married life to one faithful partner for life up to death without contracting HIV. It is simply a code of conduct that can be observed by any one of any faith (only that the Moslems’ religion allows them more than one wife, which in this case can give chance to HIV if one partner is not faithful). The Do’s and Don’ts plus regular fellowship with group mates keeps those who believe in this approach in constant view of attaining the set objectives, which in this case would be to have one faithful partner who is from the group with a commitment to see to stable relationship of husband and wife re-knewed through fellowship hence keep HIV at bay. Among the Don’ts for example: Going for social interactions like dancing with those of the opposite sex; Avoid making friends with non – members of the club given the peer influence from them; Avoid walking alone mostly on the part of girls; Avoid watching videos that are meant for grown ups as many usually have sex related content; Avoiding writing letters to those of the opposite sex or receiving letters from them; watching the dress code as it at times induces people’s attraction; Missing fellowshipping without a serious reason to do so.
The idea is using the model of the East African Revival which has been tested since it was started in 1930 in Rwanda then Uganda and other areas of East Africa. Those who religiously observe the Do’s and Don’ts as stipulated in the code of conduct plus regular fellowshipping where they exchange ideas and seek solutions to problems have lived fruitful lives, with stable families and HIV sexually contracted has not had chance to have them as its victims. The scientific basis is that the norms of the fellowship keep at bay the channels that are known to be positive in the spread of the virus hence one cannot get it sexually. The children in school are living testimonies of those who are victims of HIV and are worried whether they can live fruitful lives without contracting the virus. If they are brought together in a club arrangement and encouraged to stick to the norms of the club, plus the fellowshipping and associated activities, it is certain that many will emerge victorious in life as free from HIV which is a headache to many scientists.
The project should start with organizing a meeting with head teachers of secondary schools targeted to participate. They should be briefed about the project design and intended objectives. This would be followed with addressing students of the chosen schools to interest them to join the clubs. The recruited members of the club to be given a copy of the Do’s and Don’ts, and days of fellowshipping at the school agreed to.
CLUBS COMMITTED TO LIFE FOR BEING HIV NEGATIVE THROUGH FELLOWSHIP
If school going children/students are encouraged to join the Clubs Committed to Life for Being HIV Negative through Fellowship with do’s and don’t well stipulated as well as constant regular fellowshipping as is done by the members of the East African Revival, chances are that the children can live a life without HIV till death.
The idea of using the model of the East African Revival in Clubs Committed for Life to Being HIV Negative through Fellowship, is a creative approach to keep children through youthful life to old age free of HIV contracted sexually because it has been very successful with people who have kept the norms of the East African Revival and what we have seen (I myself being a child from such a family) is stable married life to one faithful partner for life up to death without contracting HIV. It is simply a code of conduct that can be observed by any one of any faith (only that the Moslems’ religion allows them more than one wife, which in this case can give chance to HIV if one partner is not faithful). The Do’s and Don’ts plus regular fellowship with group mates keeps those who believe in this approach in constant view of attaining the set objectives, which in this case would be to have one faithful partner who is from the group with a commitment to see to stable relationship of husband and wife re-knewed through fellowship hence keep HIV at bay. Among the Don’ts for example: Going for social interactions like dancing with those of the opposite sex; Avoid making friends with non – members of the club given the peer influence from them; Avoid walking alone mostly on the part of girls; Avoid watching videos that are meant for grown ups as many usually have sex related content; Avoiding writing letters to those of the opposite sex or receiving letters from them; watching the dress code as it at times induces people’s attraction; Missing fellowshipping without a serious reason to do so.
The idea is using the model of the East African Revival which has been tested since it was started in 1930 in Rwanda then Uganda and other areas of East Africa. Those who religiously observe the Do’s and Don’ts as stipulated in the code of conduct plus regular fellowshipping where they exchange ideas and seek solutions to problems have lived fruitful lives, with stable families and HIV sexually contracted has not had chance to have them as its victims. The scientific basis is that the norms of the fellowship keep at bay the channels that are known to be positive in the spread of the virus hence one cannot get it sexually. The children in school are living testimonies of those who are victims of HIV and are worried whether they can live fruitful lives without contracting the virus. If they are brought together in a club arrangement and encouraged to stick to the norms of the club, plus the fellowshipping and associated activities, it is certain that many will emerge victorious in life as free from HIV which is a headache to many scientists.
The project should start with organizing a meeting with head teachers of secondary schools targeted to participate. They should be briefed about the project design and intended objectives. This would be followed with addressing students of the chosen schools to interest them to join the clubs. The recruited members of the club to be given a copy of the Do’s and Don’ts, and days of fellowshipping at the school agreed to.
A PROPOSAL AGAINST Ushs 7bn FOR INTEGRATED SUPPORT TO UGANDA FARMER GROUPS (2005/06 FISCAL YEAR)
Honourable Dr. Ezra Suruma, the then Minister of Finance, Planning and economic Development in his Budget Speech for 2005/06 Fiscal Year, whose theme was: “Promoting Economic Growth and Household Incomes through increased savings, Investment, Employment and Productivity,” happened to allocate Ushs 7bn to Integrated Support to Farmer Groups.
He said, “the rural development strategy hinges on the provision of Integrated Support to farmer groups to increase productivity through better agricultural practices, improvement in input supply channels and producer – buyer linkages. This support would initially be targeted at selected crops, in order to raise their production significantly and to impact the livelihood of the greatest number of poor households. Activities involved are to include sensitization and mobilization of farmers into farmer groups, including the formation of at least 8,980 farmer groups and organizations.”
He further said, “government would intensify provision of appropriate technologies and input kits including fertilizers, improved seed, pesticides and herbicides and cooperative storage facilities. This action would encompass provision of Integrated Support to 4,000 farmer groups. Input kits comprising improved seed, a fertilizer pack and pesticide spray would be provided to Maize, Rice, Simsim and Soya bean farmers.”
The Hon. Minister’s idea if appropriately implemented would not be a bad idea, however, what is most critical for farmers to day in Uganda (2005) is market for their farm products. Farmers have a cross section of produce from upland rice, Moringa, Vanilla to mention but a few, out of which they would earn good income if government invested in capacity for agro-processing. Our farmers are very vulnerable simply because they market what they produce in its raw form.
The viable and sustainable way to go is to put up capacity to process the farmers’ produce, and from the money the farmers earn, they would afford o buy the inputs needed, and this is in a sustainable way. People have Moringa throughout Uganda, and there ia talk about Fortified foods for what? Why can’t we get capacity to process Moringa leaf powder (like Tea leaves are) and distribute it/sell it cheaply to whoever needs Vitamin A Supplement?
The way to go is to have agro-processing capacity and not kits to farmers when marketing produce remains the major problem.
He said, “the rural development strategy hinges on the provision of Integrated Support to farmer groups to increase productivity through better agricultural practices, improvement in input supply channels and producer – buyer linkages. This support would initially be targeted at selected crops, in order to raise their production significantly and to impact the livelihood of the greatest number of poor households. Activities involved are to include sensitization and mobilization of farmers into farmer groups, including the formation of at least 8,980 farmer groups and organizations.”
He further said, “government would intensify provision of appropriate technologies and input kits including fertilizers, improved seed, pesticides and herbicides and cooperative storage facilities. This action would encompass provision of Integrated Support to 4,000 farmer groups. Input kits comprising improved seed, a fertilizer pack and pesticide spray would be provided to Maize, Rice, Simsim and Soya bean farmers.”
The Hon. Minister’s idea if appropriately implemented would not be a bad idea, however, what is most critical for farmers to day in Uganda (2005) is market for their farm products. Farmers have a cross section of produce from upland rice, Moringa, Vanilla to mention but a few, out of which they would earn good income if government invested in capacity for agro-processing. Our farmers are very vulnerable simply because they market what they produce in its raw form.
The viable and sustainable way to go is to put up capacity to process the farmers’ produce, and from the money the farmers earn, they would afford o buy the inputs needed, and this is in a sustainable way. People have Moringa throughout Uganda, and there ia talk about Fortified foods for what? Why can’t we get capacity to process Moringa leaf powder (like Tea leaves are) and distribute it/sell it cheaply to whoever needs Vitamin A Supplement?
The way to go is to have agro-processing capacity and not kits to farmers when marketing produce remains the major problem.
IF DDT IS LIKELY TO KILL UGANDA MARKET FOR AGRO - PRODUCE, BETTER TO ABANDON IT
DDT SPRAYING COSTLY FOR UGANDA
Tuesday, 5th July, 2011
By Raymond Baguma and Gerald Kawemba
INDOOR residual spraying as a strategy to control malaria in Uganda is too costly and has affected the programme countrywide.
According to Dr. Seraphine Adibaku, the head of the Malaria Control Programme, this is why other malaria control strategies such as use of insecticide-treated nets and Artemisinin-based combination therapy are considered to be ahead of indoor residual spraying.
The Government is implementing the indoor residual spraying using pyrethrum-based and carbon-based insecticides in 10 malaria-endemic districts in the northern and eastern regions.
They include Amolatar, Apac, Kitgum, Kumi and Bukedea.
“About three million people in the 10 districts have been covered. We have reached over 90% of the population,” Adibaku said.
She added that under the Presidential Malaria Initiative, the budget for indoor residual spraying is sh4.5b per district each year.
Adibaku said it would be much cheaper if the ministry distributed insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
She, however, said indoor spraying has an advantage of delivering immediate impact compared to treated nets.
Adibaku disclosed that the health ministry is re-evaluating the effectiveness of using DDT for malaria control.
Dr. Joaquim Saweka, the World Health Organisation (WHO) resident representative in Uganda, said indoor residual spraying is highly effective and has been successful in Zanzibar and Rwanda.
He, however, added that it is capital intensive and needs a lot of money for each application done twice a year.
Saweka cited his previous posting in Ghana during which a town of 300,000 inhabitants required $3m for spraying each year.
He said with the high cost of spraying and low financial resources available, Uganda needs to prioritise usage of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
aweka added that Uganda is on the right path to eradicating malaria with efforts in prevention, diagnosis and treatment as well as universal coverage of insecticide-treated nets.
Health minister Dr. Richard Nduhura yesterday kicked off a nationwide programme to distribute 11,000 bicycles to health volunteers who will diagnose and treat malaria in homes. The programme is supported by the Global Fund.
It is part of the Government’s home-based management of malaria, which is part of a larger national strategy to deliver treatment to children within 24 hours after diagnosis.
DDT SPRAYING STARTED IN 2008 IN UGANDA
Source: The Science Times – May – July 2008
Oyam (Northern Uganda) – At long last, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) to kill mosquitoes and reduce malaria, was officially launched on April 11, 2008 in Oyam district, one of the areas hardest hit by malaria in the world. Oyam was previously part of Apac district in Northern Uganda. It is surrounded by sprawling wetlands - Okole and Arocha, which are part of the swampy Lake Kwania an arm of Lake Kyoga. Until 2005 -2006 most homes in Oyam had been vacated due to the rebel activities by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and the would be residents were in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) Camps.
The swamp and displacement of residents to IDPs led to the overgrowth of bushes around homes and on what used to be farms. The conditions were conducive for the breeding and multiplication of the anopheles mosquitoes; which mosquito feeds on human blood and while it sucks blood, the victim is infected with Plasmodium parasites which cause malaria fever to humans.
While launching the IRS program at Oyam district headquarters on April 11, 2008, the Health Minister Dr. Stephen Malinga said, “The IRS program was to be conducted strictly indoors and that the spraying was not in any way to spill outside houses.” Malinga thanked US President George Bush’s Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI), which was supporting Uganda’s anti-malarial IRS program.
“Environmental leaders and commercial organic farmers should acknowledge past mistakes in DDT spraying, which we’ve guarded against strictly through IRS,” Malinga said. Malinga said that a pilot indoor spray in kabala district had brought down the prevalence of malaria cases. “Evidence from out-patients’ departments (OPDs) of most hospitals and health centres in the region show level of malaria cases,” said Malinga.
The Science Times carried out an impromptu assessment among residents, local leaders and elders a few days after the DDT IRs Program launch, to capture their feelings, fears, concerns and interests.
A pregnant mother in the village of Piyo Barjonga in Minakulu sub-county, Ms Evelyn Achen was happy that finally a serious fight against mosquitoes was underway. “I removed my property early so that spraying goes on smoothly. I am optimistic this will help us against the deadly malaria. I have seen many children die at my neighbours’ homes and in hospital. Right now, two of my four children are bed ridden with malaria, yet the nearest health center is 13 km away.”
An ex-Police Officer Sergeant (Retired) Francis Okidi, a resident of Bobi village, Atek Parish in Minakulu sub-county, was very happy a few days after his house was sprayed with DDT. “I am now sleeping so well without any mosquitoes biting me.
Tuesday, 5th July, 2011
By Raymond Baguma and Gerald Kawemba
INDOOR residual spraying as a strategy to control malaria in Uganda is too costly and has affected the programme countrywide.
According to Dr. Seraphine Adibaku, the head of the Malaria Control Programme, this is why other malaria control strategies such as use of insecticide-treated nets and Artemisinin-based combination therapy are considered to be ahead of indoor residual spraying.
The Government is implementing the indoor residual spraying using pyrethrum-based and carbon-based insecticides in 10 malaria-endemic districts in the northern and eastern regions.
They include Amolatar, Apac, Kitgum, Kumi and Bukedea.
“About three million people in the 10 districts have been covered. We have reached over 90% of the population,” Adibaku said.
She added that under the Presidential Malaria Initiative, the budget for indoor residual spraying is sh4.5b per district each year.
Adibaku said it would be much cheaper if the ministry distributed insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
She, however, said indoor spraying has an advantage of delivering immediate impact compared to treated nets.
Adibaku disclosed that the health ministry is re-evaluating the effectiveness of using DDT for malaria control.
Dr. Joaquim Saweka, the World Health Organisation (WHO) resident representative in Uganda, said indoor residual spraying is highly effective and has been successful in Zanzibar and Rwanda.
He, however, added that it is capital intensive and needs a lot of money for each application done twice a year.
Saweka cited his previous posting in Ghana during which a town of 300,000 inhabitants required $3m for spraying each year.
He said with the high cost of spraying and low financial resources available, Uganda needs to prioritise usage of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
aweka added that Uganda is on the right path to eradicating malaria with efforts in prevention, diagnosis and treatment as well as universal coverage of insecticide-treated nets.
Health minister Dr. Richard Nduhura yesterday kicked off a nationwide programme to distribute 11,000 bicycles to health volunteers who will diagnose and treat malaria in homes. The programme is supported by the Global Fund.
It is part of the Government’s home-based management of malaria, which is part of a larger national strategy to deliver treatment to children within 24 hours after diagnosis.
DDT SPRAYING STARTED IN 2008 IN UGANDA
Source: The Science Times – May – July 2008
Oyam (Northern Uganda) – At long last, Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) to kill mosquitoes and reduce malaria, was officially launched on April 11, 2008 in Oyam district, one of the areas hardest hit by malaria in the world. Oyam was previously part of Apac district in Northern Uganda. It is surrounded by sprawling wetlands - Okole and Arocha, which are part of the swampy Lake Kwania an arm of Lake Kyoga. Until 2005 -2006 most homes in Oyam had been vacated due to the rebel activities by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and the would be residents were in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) Camps.
The swamp and displacement of residents to IDPs led to the overgrowth of bushes around homes and on what used to be farms. The conditions were conducive for the breeding and multiplication of the anopheles mosquitoes; which mosquito feeds on human blood and while it sucks blood, the victim is infected with Plasmodium parasites which cause malaria fever to humans.
While launching the IRS program at Oyam district headquarters on April 11, 2008, the Health Minister Dr. Stephen Malinga said, “The IRS program was to be conducted strictly indoors and that the spraying was not in any way to spill outside houses.” Malinga thanked US President George Bush’s Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI), which was supporting Uganda’s anti-malarial IRS program.
“Environmental leaders and commercial organic farmers should acknowledge past mistakes in DDT spraying, which we’ve guarded against strictly through IRS,” Malinga said. Malinga said that a pilot indoor spray in kabala district had brought down the prevalence of malaria cases. “Evidence from out-patients’ departments (OPDs) of most hospitals and health centres in the region show level of malaria cases,” said Malinga.
The Science Times carried out an impromptu assessment among residents, local leaders and elders a few days after the DDT IRs Program launch, to capture their feelings, fears, concerns and interests.
A pregnant mother in the village of Piyo Barjonga in Minakulu sub-county, Ms Evelyn Achen was happy that finally a serious fight against mosquitoes was underway. “I removed my property early so that spraying goes on smoothly. I am optimistic this will help us against the deadly malaria. I have seen many children die at my neighbours’ homes and in hospital. Right now, two of my four children are bed ridden with malaria, yet the nearest health center is 13 km away.”
An ex-Police Officer Sergeant (Retired) Francis Okidi, a resident of Bobi village, Atek Parish in Minakulu sub-county, was very happy a few days after his house was sprayed with DDT. “I am now sleeping so well without any mosquitoes biting me.
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