Malaria is very common in Uganda, so most people who live here every day do not need preventive medicines because they are often exposed and may develop partial immunity. However, certain high-risk groups benefit from malaria prophylaxis to protect them from severe illness. If you want personalised guidance on which malaria prevention approach is safest for you or your family in Uganda, including premium follow-up support, you can access Hope Plus to chat with our qualified health team.
Prophylaxis is not 100% effective, and using it does not replace other malaria prevention measures such as sleeping under treated mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, or removing stagnant water around your home.
Malaria Prophylaxis for Pregnant Women in Uganda
Pregnant women are at high risk because malaria can affect both the mother and the unborn baby, causing complications such as anaemia, low birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
What is recommended:
- Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) using Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine (SP)
- First dose at 13 weeks of pregnancy
- Subsequent doses every month until delivery
- Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): A health worker gives the medicine and watches the mother take it to ensure proper intake
- Record each dose on your antenatal card and in the treatment register
Important precautions:
- Do not take SP if you are HIV positive and taking cotrimoxazole. Your healthcare provider will suggest an alternative.
Malaria Prophylaxis for People with Sickle Cell Disease
People with sickle cell disease are more vulnerable to severe malaria.
Recommended medicines:
- Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine (SP) – same as for pregnancy
- Alternative: Chloroquine
- Adults: 300 mg once weekly
- Children: 5 mg/kg once weekly
Your doctor will decide which medicine is safest for you based on your age and health status.
Malaria Prophylaxis for People Living with HIV
People living with HIV are at higher risk of malaria complications.
Recommended medicine:
- Cotrimoxazole daily according to national guidelines
Your healthcare provider will monitor for any interactions with your HIV treatment.
Malaria Prophylaxis for Non-Immune Visitors or Tourists
Visitors from areas where malaria is not common do not have natural immunity, so they need preventive medicines when visiting Uganda.
Recommended medicine:
- Mefloquine
- Adults: 250 mg once weekly
- Children: 5 mg/kg once weekly
Tips for visitors:
- Start taking the medicine 1–2 weeks before arrival in Uganda
- Continue taking it weekly while in Uganda and for 4 weeks after leaving
- Always combine with mosquito prevention measures: treated bed nets, repellents, and avoiding mosquito bites at night
Key Points for Patients
- Not everyone living in Uganda needs malaria prophylaxis. Most residents rely on prevention through mosquito control and prompt treatment.
- High-risk groups – pregnant women, people with sickle cell disease, people living with HIV, and visitors – benefit from preventive medicines.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly, including dose, timing, and supervision for medicines like SP.
- Prophylaxis is not a substitute for mosquito nets, clothing protection, and avoiding mosquito breeding sites.
- Seek care promptly if you develop symptoms of malaria, even if you are on prophylaxis.
