In 2021, WHO reported that there were an estimated 13 million malaria cases and over 19,600 estimated deaths in Uganda. Malaria is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 5 in Uganda. 

Any girl at St Michael’s who has a temperature will automatically be tested for malaria. At  least 100 girls at St Michael’s test positive for malaria each term. The school is able to quickly detect the infection by using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) which are stocked at the Medical Centre. Each RDT costs about 70p and it is vital that the school maintains stocks of the kit. Effective treatment for uncomplicated malaria usually involves a three day course of medicine which is administered by the school nurse. The girls are normally back in class after 2 days. 

We fund the purchase of RDTs as well as the medicines used to treat malaria. We only buy medicine used at the school from Joint Medical Stores (a reputable medical NGO in Kampala). Although it is more expensive, we want to ensure we get quality medicine that has not been tampered with. 

Malaria is sadly unavoidable in the area. We do encourage the students and staff to use mosquito nets however, the school routine requires early starts and bedtime after dark when  mosquitos are prevalent and often mosquito nets are old and not replaced.