Health Experts Warn Of Rising Malaria Deaths Among Schoolchildren

Kampala, August 29, 2026 - Health specialists warned that malaria deaths among schoolchildren are rising as the parasite mutates, raising concern over clinical management and public health preparedness.

Laboratory specialist Pritch Kabata Kagera urged practitioners to monitor severe malaria cases closely to prevent rapid deterioration. The warning points to the need for more precise diagnosis and treatment in health facilities serving children.

The issue is nationally relevant because malaria remains a major health burden and school-age children are a large exposed population. Mutations in the parasite can complicate treatment decisions and increase pressure on clinics.

For policymakers and employers, worsening malaria outcomes could affect education continuity, household costs and future labour productivity if surveillance and case management do not improve.