Uganda’s malaria elimination efforts have received a significant boost following a collaboration between Pilgrim Africa and Children Voices Against Malaria (CVAM), aimed at increasing the uptake of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in high-burden communities.
The initiative, which uses a school sponsorship model, seeks to strengthen community sensitisation and address persistent resistance to spraying, particularly in endemic regions such as Teso.
IRS remains one of the Ministry of Health’s key interventions for reducing malaria transmission. However, officials say its effectiveness has often been undermined by misinformation and low household acceptance.
Under the arrangement, Children Voices Against Malaria supported indoor residual spraying at Siirt Islamic Primary School, along with other selected schools within the IRS programme.
“When you involve children, you are not just implementing a programme—you are shaping community behaviour,” said Geofrey Mugisha, Head of Community Engagement at Children Voices Against Malaria.
Through this model, schools will serve as centres for community engagement, with learners expected to influence attitudes in their homes and neighbourhoods.
According to Dr Wycliffe Odude, community cooperation remains critical to the success of IRS interventions. He noted that technical solutions alone are insufficient without public trust and understanding.
Under the arrangement, Children Voices Against Malaria supported indoor residual spraying at Siirt Islamic Primary School, along with other selected schools within the IRS programme.
“When you involve children, you are not just implementing a programme—you are shaping community behaviour,” said Geofrey Mugisha, Head of Community Engagement at Children Voices Against Malaria.
Through this model, schools will serve as centres for community engagement, with learners expected to influence attitudes in their homes and neighbourhoods.
According to Dr Wycliffe Odude, community cooperation remains critical to the success of IRS interventions. He noted that technical solutions alone are insufficient without public trust and understanding.