Malaria-Linked Brain Inflammation Sparks Mental Health Crisis in Ugandan Children, Experts Warn

What you need to know:

• Ms. Musiimenta highlighted that if cerebral malaria goes undetected and untreated, the ensuing inflammation in the brain may result in the onset of several mental health disorders.

Thank you for reading Nation.Africa

Show plans

Health experts have linked severe malaria to long-term mental health problems among children in Uganda.

Ms. Maureen Musiimenta, a clinical psychologist from Focus on Recovery Uganda, highlighted the severe effects of cerebral malaria on young kids.

Ms. Musiimenta pointed out that if cerebral malaria goes undetected and untreated, the ensuing inflammation in the brain may result in the onset of several mental health disorders.

"Cerebral malaria has a direct impact on the brain. This inflammation can damage crucial regions associated with behavior, emotions, and cognitive abilities. Without treatment, children face potential risks like depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and potentially severe mental health problems," explained Ms. Musiimenta.

Uganda remains one of the countries most affected by malaria. According to the Uganda National Institute of Public Health, 37,195 malaria-related deaths were recorded in 2023. Children and pregnant women remain at the highest risk, with the disease contributing to maternal deaths, stillbirths, low birth weight, and ongoing cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes.

Ms. Musiimenta encouraged individuals to emphasize prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment for malaria, particularly focusing on young children and expectant mothers.

"We urge everyone to stay mindful of malaria issues, particularly in detecting it promptly and seeking treatment, especially for young children. With younger kids, this condition leads to greater cognitive challenges; those who were beginning to walk and talk may suddenly cease doing so as these abilities stem from proper brain function," stated Ms. Musiimenta.

On April 27th, when speaking to this publication, Ms. Musiimenta highlighted that numerous children who endure severe malaria frequently grapple with unspoken emotional and mental health issues. These problems have the potential to linger into their adult years unless adequately addressed.

In April 2025, the authorities launched a nationwide malaria immunization initiative designed to decrease the incidence of malaria in children.

At the launch, Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng urged all mothers and caretakers to make sure that infants between six and 18 months old get the malaria vaccination.

Dr. Aceng stated that the vaccine is anticipated to stop at least 800 instances of severe malaria in children daily, reducing the economic strain on households by conserving roughly Shs15,000 for each case of malaria that would otherwise be incurred through treatment costs.

During a medical event held at St Stephen’s Church of Uganda Luzira in Kampala, which was organized by Quality Chemical Industries Limited to mark World Malaria Day 2025, Ms Milly Tumwebaze—a nurse from Mengo Hospital—voiced her concerns over the escalating issue of drug-resistant malaria within the community.

Ms Tumwebaze linked instances of drug resistance to self-medication, observing that patients are consuming anti-malarial medications without obtaining appropriate prescriptions from certified healthcare professionals.

People ought to steer clear of the practice of self-medicating since they might not be aware of what exactly needs treatment," Ms. Tumwebaze stated. "Just because someone has a fever does not necessarily mean it’s malaria; one must conduct tests for confirmation.

In 2010, the National Drug Authority reported that approximately eighty percent of individuals engage in self-medicating or purchasing medications without a prescription. The authority linked this behavior to several factors including the rise in the number of pharmacies and drug stores, the high costs associated with treatments at medical clinics, and the considerable distance many have to travel to reach healthcare centers.

Ms Tumwebaze urged people to always visit health facilities whenever they present with signs of malaria so that health officials can properly investigate and confirm the disease.

Mr. Frederick Kakooza, the Chief Financial Officer at Quality Chemical Industries Limited, called upon the private sector to collaborate with communities and the government to combat malaria nationwide via sustained public awareness campaigns.

He motivated communities to adhere to the Ministry of Health recommendations by using insecticide-treated bed nets for sleep and promptly consulting healthcare providers when needed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that malaria is the primary reason for serious illnesses and fatalities among young children in Uganda.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

Get updates by following us WhatsApp and Telegram channels;

Daily Monitor Telegram channel

Daily Monitor WhatsApp Channel

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).