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Uganda expands free community malaria testing and treatment to all ages
Uganda is expanding access to malaria diagnosis and treatment through community health workers, targeting delays that leave rural families vulnerable to severe illness and preventable deaths.
In a feature published on 23 October 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Village Health Teams (VHTs) and Community Health Extension Workers are being trained and equipped to test people of all ages using rapid diagnostic tests and provide free malaria treatment close to where people live. Previously, community-based malaria services focused primarily on children under five, leaving older children and adults in some areas dependent on distant health facilities for diagnosis and care.
Regional Office for Africa
The scale of the challenge remains substantial. WHO estimates that Uganda recorded 13.2 million malaria cases in 2025, with between 16,000 and 20,000 deaths. Delayed treatment, difficulties reaching health facilities and the use of poor-quality medicines continue to complicate efforts to reduce the burden.
The expansion forms part of Uganda’s broader approach to strengthening primary healthcare and accelerating malaria elimination. The country has approximately 85,000 VHT members providing community health services. The national 24-2 Hours Initiative seeks to ensure malaria diagnosis and treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset and urgent pre-referral treatment for severe malaria within two hours.
Regional Office for Africa
The programme is supported by partnerships involving the Global Fund, the United States Government and UNICEF, alongside WHO’s technical support.
By bringing testing and treatment closer to households, the initiative aims to reduce delays in care, improve access in underserved areas and strengthen the role of community health workers in disease prevention.
Sources and publication assets: WHO Uganda, 23 October 2026
Urge Inside Health| East Africa. Urge- DevWire
23 October 2026 · Sembabule, Uganda
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