Though Uganda has experienced a period of political stability and economic growth since the 1990’s, an estimated 35% of Ugandans still live in poverty. The majority of Ugandans (about 88%) live in rural areas where subsistence agriculture is the major source of food and income. Uganda was one of the first countries in Africa to be hard-hit by HIV/AIDS—it is estimated almost one million people have died from the virus. Uganda is well-known for its powerful HIV/AIDS prevention education through collaboration of churches and the government which has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of new cases of HIV since the early 1990’s.

Today, malaria is the leading cause of illness and death in Uganda. It is responsible for 40% of all outpatient visits, 25% of hospital stays, and 14% of deaths in hospital. Children under five and pregnant women compose the majority of malaria cases.

NetsforLife^® Implementing Partner

Christian Aid is the NetsforLife SM partner in Uganda, working directly with churches on the ground to fight malaria.

Areas Impacted

NetsforLife will work in 19 target areas in six dioceses in the eastern part of the country. The dioceses are: Kumi, Soroti, Busoga, Namirembe, Bukedi, and Mbale. An official NetsforLife launch was held on October 28, 2006.

These areas represent:

• Rural malaria-prone communities along the Nile river
• Overcrowded neighborhoods in Kampala (the capital) known for poor housing

* Data on Uganda based on figures from RollBackMalaria Country Profiles, 2003.