As the Lango sub-region continues to grapple with one of the country’s highest malaria burdens, health authorities have organized a major awareness campaign through a Malaria Walk, scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025.
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The walk, spearheaded by Lira Regional Referral Hospital, will begin at 6:30 a.m. from the Old Akibua Stadium. Dr. Andrew Odur, the acting Hospital Director LRRH, emphasized the urgency of the campaign in light of the region’s high malaria prevalence.
“We are walking to create awareness that malaria is still a big killer, especially among children under five,” Dr. Odur said. “Our outpatient departments across the region are overwhelmed with malaria cases, and the Lango sub-region has a particularly high mosquito and malaria burden.”
Dr. Odur encouraged the public to turn up in large numbers for the walk, which will span approximately 10 kilometers. In addition to raising awareness, the event will provide various health services, including: Free malaria testing and treatment, HIV screening, Blood pressure and blood sugar checks, Sickle cell screening Blood donation drives and among other Health services.
“Malaria severely affects our children by draining their blood, so we need as many people as possible to donate and support those in need,” Dr. Odur added.
Participants will also witness the ongoing malaria vaccination of children, following the recent national launch of the malaria vaccine in Apac District, one of Uganda’s most affected areas.
Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole echoed the call for public participation.
“We are going to walk malaria out of Lango,” he said. “Vaccination is a great step, but it’s not enough. We must act together to eliminate this disease.”
Eole confirmed that several dignitaries and organizations will be present, including Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, who will serve as the chief walker. Civil society groups, banks, schools, and institutions such as Lira University are also expected to participate.
The event, which blends physical activity with critical health services, aims to foster community involvement in the battle against malaria, a disease that remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the region.\
“Count yourself among the heroes driving malaria out of this region,” Gole urged. “Come one, come all, let us walk malaria out of Lango.”
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