Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has called for the establishment of minimum malaria testing laboratories in school sick bays and dispensaries to enable early diagnosis and prevent avoidable deaths among learners.

Tayebwa made the call while flagging off the annual Parliamentary Malaria Walk, which started at Parliament and proceeded through the streets of Kampala. The event brought together Members of Parliament, development partners, health professionals, the Children's Parliament, and hundreds of Ugandans to raise awareness and strengthen efforts to eliminate malaria.

According to Parliament, the Deputy Speaker said installing basic malaria testing laboratories in school health facilities would provide a first line of screening, helping to detect the disease early and prevent deaths similar to those recently reported in schools.

During the event, Tayebwa reiterated Parliament's commitment to supporting the fight against malaria through continued budgetary allocations and advocacy.

In a separate statement shared after the walk, the Deputy Speaker described the event as a call to action, saying that ending malaria is everyone's responsibility. He noted that although no one plans to contract malaria, the disease continues to claim lives every day, particularly among young children and pregnant women, while placing a heavy burden on families and the country's health system.

He also warned that scientists have indicated climate change could make the fight against malaria more challenging, underscoring the need for intensified prevention and control efforts.

Tayebwa said Parliament has continued to advocate for increased investment in malaria prevention through awareness campaigns and support for health facilities. He added that these efforts have contributed to additional funding for recruiting more health workers to strengthen disease prevention and response.

The Deputy Speaker also welcomed Uganda's production of malaria rapid diagnostic test kits, saying the development reduces dependence on imports and strengthens the country's capacity to combat the disease.

Reflecting on the recent death of 14-year-old Sunshine Murungi Bethel, a student of Gayaza High School, Tayebwa said the incident was a painful reminder that malaria can affect anyone and called for greater urgency in tackling the disease.

He thanked development partners and all participants who joined the annual Parliamentary Malaria Walk for supporting the campaign against malaria. He also expressed appreciation for the support of the Speaker in advancing the initiative.