Health
Researchers Recommend Drug to Win the Malaria War in Children
“Malaria is a terrible disease. It affects you beyond discharge. Once treated for malaria, you are susceptible to more infections, and the chances for re-admission are very high.”
Uganda’s fight against malaria has received a boost after medical researchers recommended that a wonder drug that has produced positive results in Uganda, Kenya and Malawi be embraced globally.
Results of the study showed that treatment with Dihydroartemisinin–Piperaquine (DP) should now be the preferred treatment for malaria in both children and adults after discharge. The trials in children indicated reduced number of deaths from severe malaria by 80 per cent.
The study-the Malaria Chemoprevention in the Postdischarge management of severe Anemia was carried out over a two-year period at Jinja, Kamuli, Hoima, Masaka and Mubende Regional Referral hospitals and studied 1,049 children with severe malaria, which kills nearly a million people each year, mainly young children and pregnant women.
“We focused on those hospitals because those are the areas that are most hit with Malaria.We found out that Children who have been hospitalized with severe anemia in areas of Africa in which Malaria is endemic have a high risk of readmission and death within 6 months after discharge,” said Dr. Robert Opoka, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Paediatrics and Children Health, Makerere University College of Health Science.
Dr. Opoka noted that they allocated children with severe malaria with antimalarial during the first 3months post-discharge at 2,6 and 10 weeks and they were followed for three months and found out that 80 percent of the children on the antimalarial survived.
“It was observed that there was 70% significant reduction in either deaths or re-admissions among the children receiving the antimalarials compared to the group of children who were not on admission,” Dr. Opoka noted.
The study, whose findings have been published in the latest edition of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), was funded by the Norwegian Research Council. It involved an international consortium of researchers. Some of the members of the research team from Makerere University College of Health Sciences included: Dr. Richard Idro, Dr. Aggrey Dhabangi and Dr. Robert Opoka
Malaria is caused by parasites that are injected into the bloodstream by infected mosquitoes. Severe malaria is often the main reason why children are admitted to hospital in sub-Saharan Africa, and one in 10 of these children die.
The Ministry of Health 25th Health Sector Joint Review report 2018/2019 showed that malaria was still the leading cause of admissions for all ages accounting for 32.9 per cent of all admissions.
“The drug has a huge impact on reducing mortality and morbidity in children under five-years recovering from severe malaria. The children who were not on antimalarials developed respiratory distress, complicated seizures, movement disorders, vision impairment, speech and language impairments, cognitive deficits, epilepsy and destructive behavior,” said Dr. Aggrey Dhabangi, a Lecturer at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences.
Dr. Dhabangi noted that DP is available in both private and public pharmacies. And a dose goes for UGX 3,000 for children and UGX 3,500 for adults and it is supposed to be taken for 3days in a month. “(DP) is a reliably oral effective drug, and it is given to children according to weight and it should be given 14days after discharge and later after a month,” Dhabangi noted.
During the meeting held on 3rd December 2020, Dr. Richard Idro, a Senior Lecturer at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences, revealed that further studies in Malawi have demonstrated that delivery of the drugs using community-based approaches is associated with much higher adherence 24% than hospital-based approaches.
“These children are readmitted or die because by the time they are discharged from the hospital they have not fully recovered so when they go back home especially to places with high infections, they get attacked again, but with the antimalarial they get protected until they recover and gain their immunity,” Dr. Idro noted. The researchers recommended that after discharge, the children should be given Multi-Vitamin supplementation and use mosquito nets.
Responding to the findings, Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, said that he was happy with the research findings and promised to translate the research findings into policy so that Children in Uganda are saved.
“Malaria is still one of the diseases burdening clinical services, so we still need more research and innovations in that area. We need to start up a package where health workers do not only stop at discharging patients but also educate them about the post discharge,” Dr. Olaro, noted. He assured the public that the Ministry of Health had stocked enough Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DP) for public hospitals.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who was represented by Dr. Sabrina Kitaka from the College of Health Sciences commended the research team comprising Makerere University researchers for creating a paradigm shift that focuses on only treatment of malaria to a preventive approach that will save lives. The Vice Chancellor expressed Makerere University’s readiness to review the curricula to include prevention of malaria and chemo prevention in the management of malaria. Noting that the researchers focused on three (3) months after discharge, he appealed to research team to consider an option of extending the period of follow up to six (6) months so that more lives are saved.
Dr. Jimmy Opigo, the Assistant Commissioner-Health Services at the National Malaria Control Division said: “We are happy that this PMC study has enabled people to realise that treatment of malaria and discharge is not enough. There is need for longitudinal management of those discharged. The medical team and health care workers should add patient education and improve health care practices in the management of malaria.”
Article by Mak Public Relations Office
Health
MakCHS 2026 Orientation begins: Freshers Urged to Prioritise Responsibility, Integrity and Academic Excellence
New students joining Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) have been urged to embrace responsibility, discipline, integrity and hard work as they embark on their journey towards becoming healthcare professionals.
The call was made during the opening session of the college’s orientation programme that began on the 4th August and will conclude on 7th August 2026. During the session, College leaders including the Principal and Deans welcomed students admitted to study various programmes at MakCHS. The speakers outlined expectations for academic and professional conduct.
The session was moderated by Professor Mark Kaddu, Deputy Dean-School of Medicine. Welcoming the freshers, he stressed the importance of hard work highlighting that ‘your academic documents will speak for you and excellence will open doors’.
The college leaders congratulated the students on securing admission to Makerere University, noting that many qualified applicants were unable to secure places. They encouraged the new entrants to make the most of the opportunity by committing themselves to excellence from the first day. The students were reminded that programmes offered by the college are rigorous full-time courses that demand commitment, discipline and consistency.
In his remarks, Professor Bruce Kirenga – Principal, MakCHS welcomed the new entrants and provided an overview of the College’s rich history, highlighting its growth and commitment to excellence in health professionals’ education. The Principal reaffirmed the college’s mission of impacting the national health agenda through transformational teaching, research and innovation for societal development. Students were encouraged to embrace the wide range of career pathways and professional opportunities available upon qualification, emphasizing that their training would equip them to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Stressing the importance of mind-set change which has also been introduced as a crosscutting course, the Principal urged the students to cultivate discipline, resilience, professionalism, and a passion for lifelong learning. “The journey you have embarked on is challenging, but it is achievable,” the Principal noted, reminding the students that many graduates before them successfully completed the programme through dedication and hard work. The address concluded with a call for the new students to remain focused, work diligently, and strive for academic excellence as they prepare to become the next generation of healthcare professionals who will transform their communities.
Professor Annettee Nakimuli, Dean – School of Medicine encouraged students to work collaboratively rather than viewing learning as a competition. She urged them to form productive study groups, support one another and take advantage of opportunities for mentorship, research and international exchange programmes available through the college. “We are here to support you throughout your journey,” she told the students, adding that strong academic performance could open doors to international exchanges, postgraduate training and research collaborations with universities around the world.
Professor Nakimuli warned students against academic dishonesty, including examination malpractice, falsification of academic records and illegal programme changes. She cautioned that such misconduct could lead to dismissal from the university, even after several years of study. Students were further advised to be vigilant against fraudsters who promise to alter admission records or transfer students into different academic programmes through unofficial channels.
In his remarks, Dr. Richard Muhindo, Dean-School of Health Sciences highlighted the importance of personal responsibility and wellbeing beyond academics. He encouraged students to manage their time wisely, avoid drug and alcohol abuse, stay away from gambling and maintain healthy lifestyles throughout their studies. Dr. Muhindo emphasized the importance of professionalism, reminding students that healthcare careers are built on compassion, teamwork and service to humanity. He encouraged students from different programmes to learn together, respect one another’s professions and build networks that will benefit them throughout their careers.
In his address to the freshers, Dr. David Nono who represented Dr. Annet Kutesa, Dean – School of Dentistry, encouraged students to embrace the opportunities before them by working hard, maintaining discipline, and striving for academic excellence. He emphasised the importance of achieving a strong academic record, noting that outstanding performance opens doors to competitive opportunities and future specialisation. The Dean also urged students to pursue postgraduate studies, reminding them that the dental profession requires highly qualified specialists. Reflecting on his own academic journey, he shared how dedication and continuous learning enabled him to study and work internationally before returning to serve the University. He concluded by encouraging students to remain focused, respect University rules, support one another, and make the most of their time at the institution as they prepare for successful professional careers.
Representing the Dean of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Professor Elisa Mwaka welcomed the freshers and congratulated them on earning admission to the College, urging them to embrace responsibility and discipline as they begin university life. Introducing the School of Biomedical Sciences to students, he explained that it handles core foundational courses like Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, among others that support their academic journey. Professor Mwaka reminded students that success at university depends on personal responsibility, regular class attendance, effective time management, and organised study habits, emphasizing that attendance of at least 80 percent of lectures and practical sessions is required to qualify for examinations. He also encouraged students facing academic or personal challenges to seek guidance from their lecturers early rather than waiting until examination time, and urged them to be punctual, prepare adequately for classes.
Mental health featured prominently during the orientation. Leaders acknowledged that health sciences programmes can be stressful encouraging students experiencing emotional or psychological challenges to seek support early rather than suffering in silence. They also called on students to avoid stigmatizing colleagues facing mental health difficulties.
Students were also cautioned to safeguard their personal belongings, particularly phones and laptops, as they settle into campus life. Officials warned that new students are often targeted by thieves during the first weeks of the academic year.
The opening session for the 2026 orientation concluded with a message of encouragement, with MakCHS leaders expressing confidence that the students would develop into competent, ethical and compassionate healthcare professionals capable of contributing to Uganda’s health sector and beyond.
The Orientation Programme continues until Friday, 7th August, and all students were strongly encouraged to attend every session to give themselves the best possible start to their academic journey. Important topics to be covered include IT services, registration procedures, university policies, mental health and well-being, and awareness and prevention of sexual harassment. These sessions are designed to equip students with the knowledge and support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
-
General4 days agoUndergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027
-
General2 days agoFreshers’ Joining Instructions 2026/2027
-
General3 days agoAdmission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General4 days agoMakerere University Welcomes 2026/2027 Freshers
-
General1 week agoCall for Erasmus+ Mobility Exchanges between Makerere University and University of Perugia