Health 10 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Soroti Hospital Sees Spike in Malaria and Pneumonia Amid Treatment Delays
Health officials at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital report a sharp rise in malaria and pneumonia cases among children, fueled by parents seeking treatment too late, leading to severe complications and deaths. Authorities are calling for early diagnosis and full adherence to medication to curb the trend. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/delayed-treatment-drives-surge-in-malaria-pneumonia-cases-in-soroti-5418772
Health workers at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital are alarmed by the increasing number of malaria and pneumonia cases, especially in children, due to delayed medical attention.
Last month, 144 children were admitted for malaria, many in critical states, with two succumbing to complications. Dr. Emmanuel Mugerwa, a medical officer, highlighted that late arrivals and incomplete treatment are key factors worsening outcomes.
“Patients often show up with advanced complications,” Dr. Mugerwa noted, stressing the need for prompt care and public education.
Pneumonia has also surged in the Teso sub-region, now the second top reason for admissions, with about five children hospitalized daily. Caused by various pathogens, it hits children hardest due to their developing lungs.
Senior Nursing Officer Mary Grace Abulo pointed to parental hesitation in seeking help early, noting preventable losses. She linked the rise to rainy season conditions, indoor crowding, cold weather, and poor child protection.
Nationally, malaria affects 12.5-13% of the population per 2024 Ministry of Health data, while pneumonia causes around 10% of under-five deaths.
Officials urge parents to act quickly on symptoms and finish treatments to save lives.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)