KANOs Against Malaria Mid-Year Report Brief 

By Joan Ahimbisibwe, Malaria Project Chair, Rotary Club of Kampala North and Jessica Miller, Communication Intern, Malaria Partners International 

KANOs Against Malaria is a project by the Rotaract Club of Kampala North, joining the worldwide fight against malaria. Specifically, focusing on reducing the number of malaria cases in Kakindu, Mityana district where the club adopted the community for a 5-year period.

The overall objective was to begin fulfilling mass malaria testing and treatment for around 1,000 individuals, distribute 400 mosquito nets, and conduct indoor residual spraying in 200 homes. Health education on malaria prevention was also a major component of the project.  

Through these efforts, they plan to achieve: 

• (1) the reduction of inpatient numbers at Health Centre by 50%,  
• (2) the reduction of outpatient numbers at Health Centre by 25%, and  
• (3) certifying a surplus supply of MRDTS (Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests) and decreasing the testing burden with the consistent supply of MRDTS.  

The project will cost $7,099 coming from income sources including grants, club fundraising, and participant contributions for food and transport. Major funding came from Malaria Partners International, RAM Global, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Movit group of companies, and the Rotary Club of Muyenga. 

This grant entails Malaria Partners International providing $1000, RAM Global providing $1000, and The Gates Foundation providing $2,099. Sources for Club Fundraising include: the Movit group of companies for $1,398 and the Rotary Club of Muyenga for $279.  

The status report for this project outlines the Project Committee Representative meeting with the district and sub county leaders to present and seek partnership. Following through with the 2-week online malaria campaign and merging with community health programs that encompass 4 majors on ground activities: childhood immunization, COVID vaccination, family planning and HIV testing.  

So far, this project has conducted mass testing for malaria to 650 individuals. 130 individuals were given starter packs with 350 test kits for 10 VHTs (Village Health Technicians). 

A total of 48 people through mass testing and 30 people from VHT tested positive for malaria and were successfully treated. The distribution of long-lasting mosquito nets was supported by the Rotary Club of Muyenga. Indoor residual spraying has been done in 464 houses through the support of Pilgrim Africa who provided insecticide.  

The project has been reported in the media via 2 shows on excel TV and MPI (Malaria Partners International) and RC Muyenga newsletters. Hosted a Malaria Conference with the guest host being Dr. Jimmy Opigo the program director of the National Malaria Control Program. Successfully, we have joined 3 Rotary clubs (Muyenga, Kampala North and Sonde) and 9 Rotaract Clubs.  

As we continue to move forward with the project, the intention is to monitor and evaluate the project and establish partnership with the ministry of health and other stakeholders to ensure the accessibility of malaria test kits and drugs to the VHTs. We appreciate and thank you for helping us to continue to achieve zero malaria.