The Rotary District 9213 Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule has launched the Rotary Community Action for Malaria Prevention and Health Improvement (RCAMP-HI) Project by the Rotary Club of Kabarole with an aim of strengthening community health systems and eliminating Malaria in Fort Portal Tourism City.
Speaking during the official launch, Governor Kitakule said the project marks a profound milestone not only for the Rotary Club of Kabarole, but for Fort Portal Tourism City and for every household in our communities that has been affected by malaria.
He emphasized that the initiative was built on existing knowledge and solutions to fight the disease.
“No child should fall sick or die from malaria in a world where we already know how to prevent it. That is why this project exists,” Governor Kitakule said.
The RCAMP-HI Project, supported by Malaria Partners International and Malaria Partners Uganda will run for 12 months with a focus on prevention, education and health systems improvement.
According to the Rotary Club of Kabarole, the project will distribute 500 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to vulnerable households, train 50 Village Health Teams (VHTs) to diagnose and educate communities, and conduct school-based malaria awareness campaigns in 10 schools. It also seeks to reach 5,000 community members through health education, improve early testing and referrals, and strengthen malaria data systems at the local level.
Governor Kitakule highlighted Rotary’s philosophy of sustainable service through partnership.
“Rotary believes that service is not charity but it is empowerment. We build sustainable solutions by working with communities, not for them,” he said.
He added that Rotary’s strength lies in community mobilization, volunteer leadership, accountability and partnerships with both government and global health institutions.
During the ceremony, Kitakule commended the Fort Portal City Health Office and technical teams for their support and called upon schools, community leaders and Village Health Teams to champion the fight against Malaria.
“To the City Health Office, thank you for your partnership and technical guidance. To schools, teach our children to be ambassadors of prevention. To the VHTs, you are the backbone of community health; this project empowers you further,” he said.
The Governor also urged families to take ownership of Malaria prevention.
“A malaria-free community begins in our homes one net, one test, one household at a time,” he stated.
He further rallied all partners and residents of Fort Portal to join the movement against malaria.
“We launch not just a project, but a movement of protection, awareness and shared responsibility. Together, we can achieve Zero Malaria in Fort Portal City,” Governor Kitakule declared.
The event was attended by the City Mayor, Resident City Commissioner, City Health Officer, representatives from the Ministry of Health, Malaria Partners Uganda, Malaria Partners International, and other stakeholders from education, faith-based institutions, and community leadership.
