Malaria causing mosquito
A Senior three student of Gayaza, Sunshine Murungi Bethel, has died of severe malaria, rekindling concern about the persistent threat of the disease in Uganda. She was 14 years old.
Murungi reportedly fell unwell on June 16 and died two days ago. She was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Health experts say her death underscores the continuing danger of malaria, especially when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
Nephrologist Dr. Robert Kalyesubula noted that malaria can cause acute kidney injury, a complication that is often difficult and expensive to treat. Dr. Akol Akol warned that malaria remains a deadly disease and that complacency can cost lives. “Recent reports of suspected severe malaria deaths among adolescents are a reminder that no one is truly ‘immune’,” he said, adding that Uganda’s progress against malaria has depended on long‑term investments in mosquito nets, prompt testing, effective treatment, robust public health programmes, and the introduction of the malaria vaccine for eligible young children.
Doctors urge the public to seek urgent medical care when danger signs appear, including seizures, altered consciousness, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, or severe weakness. “Early diagnosis and treatment save lives. Let’s not allow preventable malaria deaths to make a comeback,” Dr. Akol added.
At Mulago National Referral Hospital, severe malaria cases are routinely referred from across the country.
The Infectious Diseases Ward (Firm B) manages up to 10 severe malaria patients every week, most of them children under five, many presenting with anaemia, convulsions, and organ complications. Clinicians there reiterate that malaria is preventable, treatable, and ultimately beatable if Ugandans protect themselves and seek care early.
According to the World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report 2025, Africa accounts for 94% of global malaria deaths, with children under five bearing 76% of this burden. In 2023 alone, Uganda recorded more than 16 million malaria cases and 2,793 deaths, the majority among children under five.
Health officials say these sobering figures, combined with tragedies like Murungi’s death, should strengthen, not weaken, the country’s resolve: use mosquito nets, follow preventive measures, get tested quickly when fever strikes, and ensure timely treatment for all suspected malaria cases.
Mulago Hospital and other facilities continue to call on the public to visit health centres promptly at the first signs of fever. “Malaria is preventable, treatable, and beatable. Seek care early and protect your family,” Mulago stated.
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