The Ministry of Health has announced the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) launch, which exercise will start on November 29, 2024, emphasizing its critical role in tracking Uganda’s fight against malaria.

According to the ministry, the “survey is part of a broader strategy to enhance data-driven decision-making in public health, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment,” which will help eradicate malaria through effective monitoring and evaluation of health initiatives.

Additionally, the objective of the survey is to provide current estimates of key malaria indicators, including use of mosquito bed nets, treatment for pregnant women and children under five years, coverage of indoor residual spraying, and prevalence of malaria and anemia.

The ministry noted that the event will take place at the Ministry of Health Gardens, where teams will be flagged off to collect essential data that will inform programming and interventions aimed at eliminating malaria in the country.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, said that the survey will run under the theme Tracking the Malaria Fight—The Power of Data for a Healthier Uganda.

The MIS provides estimates for the country as a whole, as well as for urban and rural areas, each of the 15 regions, and refugee settlements. Therefore, information collected will help policymakers and program managers design and evaluate strategies and programs to improve the health of the population.

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On December 11, 2018, the Ministry of Health launched the third Malaria Indicator Survey that provided the latest statistics on the prevalence and transmission patterns of the disease as well as its prevention countrywide under the theme: Counting the milestones in the Malaria struggle.

The survey will target all women aged 15-49 years, in approximately 9,000 households across the country.