KAMPALA, April 24 (Xinhuanet) -- About 95 percent of Ugandans are at risk of malaria all year around, Ugandan Health Minister said.

    In a statement issued here Saturday to mark the fourth Africa Malaria Day, which falls on April 25 every year, Jim Muhwezi said that in his country pregnant mothers and children are more vulnerable to malaria than other people.

    In recent years, malaria causes more illness and death in the east African country than any other single disease, he said.

    The disease is responsible for 25 to 40 percent of outpatient attendance, 20 percent of admissions, and 9 to 14 percent of deaths of in-patients, the minister said.

    The situation of Ugandan children is even worse, and 20 to 23 percent of deaths among children aged less than five years are caused by malaria, said the statement.

    It is estimated that every household spend up to 10 percent of their incomes on malaria on average, although the government provide medicines free of charge in public health facilities, according to the statement.

    Muhwezi called on all the sectors, industries, agencies and organizations to identify a role to play in the fight against malaria. Enditem