# Ensuring continuity of malaria services in times of crisis: lessons learned in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic

## TL;DR

Uganda maintained malaria services during the pandemic by adapting protocols and securing resources, offering lessons for future crises.

## Contribution

The paper presents practical insights on sustaining malaria programs during public health emergencies through adaptive strategies and partnerships.

## Key findings

- Uganda's NMCD adapted protocols to continue malaria services during the pandemic.
- Over 33,000 health workers received infection control equipment to safely deliver services.
- Proactive planning and funding were crucial for maintaining malaria programs.

## Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Uganda’s National Malaria Control Division (NMCD) worked with partners to sustain essential malaria control interventions despite the constraints of national pandemic guidelines. To continue delivering programs, the NMCD rapidly introduced updated operational protocols. In parallel, partners secured funding to supply >33 000 health workers and village health teams with infection prevention and control equipment, ensuring safe delivery of services. As a long-standing partner of the NMCD, Malaria Consortium provided critical support throughout the pandemic. This case study captures the key insights gained from maintaining malaria services during a public health crisis, highlighting the importance of proactive risk planning, timely data reporting and sustainable sources of funding and commodities.