By Ben Musanje
A Ugandan scientist has created a world-first First Aid Protocol to stop malaria from becoming severe. Ronald Eporu, the African researcher behind the breakthrough, says his protocol lets people spot malaria early and use simple home remedies to keep it mild until proper testing and treatment at health facilities. This could prevent high fever, vomiting, headaches, and time lost from work or school.
The protocol is based on years of research, including data from 10 malaria cases from 2009 to 2021 and a review of scientific studies. Out of 11 attempts to use the first aid steps, nine were successful. Two failures happened because first aid was applied too late.
Eporu’s protocol adds four improvements to existing World Health Organization and Ugandan Ministry of Health guidelines. These include increasing vitamin D, recognizing the earliest symptoms, adding nighttime cooling, and offering three warming options with warm sponging being the most effective.
The scientist also says he has found a new reason why malaria spikes during rainy and humid seasons. He explains that warm, humid air trapped by cloudy skies weakens the immune system, making people more likely to get sick. His research even offers clues about why homeless people sleeping outdoors often do not fall ill with malaria.
Eporu plans to sell copies of the protocol directly to households in Uganda for UGX 30,000 and to public health agencies for USD 6 per household. He says the price is low because he does not rely on research grants and wants to help as many people as possible.
The news comes as the latest Malaria Indicator Survey 2024/2025 shows malaria is still rising in Uganda. The survey, conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health, found that malaria prevalence among children under five has grown from 10 percent in 2018 to 13 percent. It also revealed that 84 percent of households own at least one insecticide-treated mosquito net, with rural areas like Teso and Lango having the highest ownership, and Kampala the lowest. Almost half of Uganda’s population is under 15 years, and women head 30 percent of households.
With his protocol, Mr. Ronald Eporu hopes to change the way Ugandans fight malaria, keeping illness mild and saving lives across the country. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
