By Norbert Mao
The 5th Acholi Region Annual Integrated Performance Review for the Financial Year 2024/25 has revealed Malaria as the leading cause of deaths in Acholi sub region, underscoring persistent public health challenges.
According to the newly released data, Malaria accounted for 302 deaths, representing 19 percent of all recorded deaths during the year.
This makes it the single biggest contributor to mortality in the region.
Pneumonia emerged as the second leading cause, responsible for 185 deaths, standing at 12 percent, followed closely by Neonatal Sepsis in newborns aged 0 to 7 days, which caused 159 deaths, making up 10 percent.
Respiratory distress was the fourth major cause, with 138 deaths, or 9 percent of the total.
Other significant contributors to mortality included Anaemia with 127 deaths (8 %), Other Neonatal Conditions with 124 deaths (8 %), and premature baby complications requiring medical management, which accounted for 87 deaths (5%).
This has stressed the urgency of implementing targeted interventions to address these conditions since this data underscores the importance of continued efforts to combat Malaria and other prevalent conditions affecting the region’s health outcomes. With Malaria remaining the number one killer, strengthening prevention measures, improving treatment access, and raising community awareness are critical steps toward reducing mortality rates in the region.
