Persistent malaria myths continue to mislead the people of Oyam

9 May 2025, 12:04 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

The community in Oyam district continues to grapple with misconceptions about malaria, with many residents mistakenly believing that eating mangoes in the morning causes the disease.

According to Peter Olet, a public health specialist and administrator at Timagi Community Medical Centre in Acaba sub county, this misunderstanding likely arises from the seasonal overlap between mango availability and a rise in malaria cases, which fluctuate between 33% and 65%. During the rainy season, when mangoes are abundant, mosquito breeding also intensifies, leading to a spike in infections.

The consequences have been severe, contributing to pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, as well as excessive blood loss among children infected with malaria. In response, Timagi Community Medical Centre has launched outreach programmes focused on early malaria detection and treatment.

Olet urged the community to seek medical testing whenever they feel unwell and stressed the importance of accurate health information. “Malaria is caused by mosquito bites, not by eating mangoes,” he said, encouraging preventive measures such as the use of insecticide-treated nets and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

During a recent visit to the centre, Jenifer Aceng, a pregnant malaria patient, voiced concern about the increasing number of cases, particularly among children. She noted that despite scientific evidence, many locals still believe that eating mangoes in the morning causes malaria.

Christine Atino, an elderly resident of Acaba sub county, acknowledged the high prevalence of malaria in the area. While many still rely on traditional herbal remedies, a growing number of residents are recognising the importance of seeking modern medical treatment.

The Timagi Community Medical Centre currently admits over 2,000 patients each month, the majority of whom are suffering from malaria.

Plans are in place to upgrade the facility to a community hospital by the end of the year, in a bid to improve healthcare access across the region.