Dr Meyrs Lugemwa, a senior researcher from the malaria control
department in the Ministry of Health, said death due to malaria was
alarming.
"Basing on the clinical statistics, 320 people die daily from
Malaria in Uganda," he said. He said the biggest number die from their
homes since most Ugandans depend on herbs for treatment.
"Malaria
death rate is far above 500 in Uganda on daily basis and therefore, the
Ministry of Health is determined to prevent its spread by using all
possible ways including DDT," Lugemwa said.
Lugemwa was on Saturday addressing Makerere University Pharmacy
students during a four-day workshop under the theme " Accessibility and
changing trends, use of herbal and modern medicines in the management
of diseases in developing countries".
He attributed the increase of malaria death to use of fake drugs
distributed by some pharmaceutical companies. Makerere University
Pharmacy Students Association (Muspa), president, Mr Tumusime Kenneth,
said the annual workshop is meant to bring together pharmacy students,
health practitioners, doctors, herbalists and the public to learn new
drugs on the market as well as changes in medicine use.
Prof. Richard Odoi, the head of the Pharmacy department at Makerere
University Medical School, urged the Ministry of Health to put in place
genuine clinical tests before approving herbal medicines currently in
drug shops. Medical researchers should ensure that such trials (tests)
take the required medical three phases," he said.
According to traditional healers and Modern Pratitioners Together
Against Aids(Theta), a Ugandan NGO initiated through a partnership
between the Aids Support Organisation Uganda Ltd and Medicines Sans
Frontieres, an international humanitarian organisation, there is a
countrywide research on all herbs in a move to identify genuine ones.
Ms Roselyn Katandi, a researcher from Theta said the modern medical
practitioners always confuse witches and herbalists, leading to
undermining their work. "Theta is working on a national policy of
traditional medicine to strengthen the operation of herbalists," she
said.
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