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SOROTI, Uganda — Efforts to eliminate malaria in Uganda received a significant lift through a new partnership between Pilgrim Africa and Children’s Voices Against Malaria aimed at increasing the use of indoor residual spraying in high-burden areas.
The initiative employs a school sponsorship model designed to strengthen community sensitization and overcome persistent resistance to spraying, particularly in the endemic Teso region.
Indoor residual spraying, or IRS, is a primary Ministry of Health intervention used to reduce malaria transmission. However, health officials noted its effectiveness is frequently compromised by misinformation and low household acceptance.
As part of the new arrangement, Children’s Voices Against Malaria supported spraying at Siirt Islamic Primary School in Soroti and other schools enrolled in the program.
When you involve children, you are not just implementing a program, you are shaping community behavior, said Geofrey Mugisha, head of community engagement at Children’s Voices Against Malaria.
Under this model, schools act as hubs for community engagement. Students are expected to influence the attitudes of their families and neighbors regarding the safety and necessity of the procedure.
Dr. Wycliffe Odude, a senior entomologist at Pilgrim Africa, said community cooperation is critical to the success of these interventions. He noted that technical solutions are insufficient without public trust and understanding.
Early engagement in Soroti schools suggests that student-driven approaches help address misconceptions and improve the reception of spraying teams. Stakeholders now plan to expand the model to additional schools in districts with high malaria rates.
The approach reflects a broader shift toward integrated public health delivery, where government interventions are reinforced by civil society and community-based organizations.
Uganda continues to prioritize IRS as part of its national malaria control strategy, with a renewed focus on grassroots mobilization to sustain progress in disease reduction.
, https://pmldaily.com/news/2026/04/pilgrim-africa-cvam-launch-student-led-malaria-prevention-drive.html
