As the Malaria Season Begins, Ugandan Authorities are Worried About Trump’s Funding Cuts

This month marks the beginning of malaria season in most of Africa. This disease, which primarily affects youngsters, continues to be the deadliest on the continent. Health professionals in Uganda are alarmed by the Trump administration’s decision to slash 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts, citing the potential for catastrophe in some of the world’s poorest regions.

Dr. Jimmy Opigo, who is in charge of Uganda’s malaria control program, told The Associated Press that he and his staff have been compelled to focus on disaster preparedness due to USAID’s stop-work orders in late January.

Opigo stressed that anti-malarial drugs and bed nets treated with insecticides are just as necessary as groceries. A constant supply is required,” he said from Kampala. He expects a spike in severe malaria cases later this year, which might result in complications including organ failure, as a result of the reduced resources brought on by the terminated contracts.

Although there isn’t a cure, the vaccines that are being given out in some parts of Africa aren’t ideal, but they should continue to be given support from a worldwide vaccine alliance.

New estimates suggest that a one-year disruption in the malaria-control supply chain may lead to an additional 107,000 fatalities and nearly 15 million cases globally, according to the Washington-based charity Malaria No More.

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