Health authorities have issued a strong warning urging the public to avoid self-medication when treating malaria, as a surge in deaths linked to improper drug use has raised alarm in local communities.
Sr Clare Ataliba, a Senior Nursing Officer at Budondo Health Centre IV in Jinja North Division in Jinja City, stated that many of the patients referred to the facility from lower health centres suffer from the effects of self-medication for malaria.
“Self-treatment practice not only delays the proper diagnosis but also increases the risk of drug resistance, making future treatments less effective,” Sr Ataliba said.
According to Sr Ataliba, approximately 66 percent of patients seeking medical care are diagnosed with advanced malaria complications due to self-medication and unfinished doses.
Mr Clive Hilary Taremwa, a Medical Clinical Officer, Program Officer Health at Sajida Foundation in Jinja City, said self-medication, especially for malaria, can be dangerous and is not recommended.
“Self-medication can lead to misdiagnosis of sickness or mistake it for another illness resulting in improper type of drugs for the patient,” Mr Taremwa said.
He added that self-medication can lead to overdose use or misuse of antimalarial medications, contributing to drug resistance, especially if taken without medical supervision.
Mr Taremwa urged the public not to be convinced by the signs of body weakness presenting malaria symptoms and start taking malaria medication without testing.
Mr Michael Muwangunzi, Assistant Governor of Jinja Rotary Club Metro, stated that the initiative aims to raise community awareness in rural areas about the dangers of self-medication, which can ultimately lead to loss of life.
Mr Vincent Onyango, the President of the Rotaract Club of Jinja, revealed that the club has partnered with Malaria Partners Uganda, the Busoga Kingdom, Jinja City authorities, and several other agencies to strengthen community health awareness.
According to Professor Peter K Waiswa, Board Chairperson of the Busoga Health Forum, malaria remains a major public health threat in the Busoga Sub-region.
“Malaria contributes to stillbirths, stunted growth in children, and other serious health complications due to severe blood loss,” Prof Waiswa said.
He emphasized that Busoga records the highest number of malaria-related deaths in the country, with Mayuge in the lead.