Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
MASHONALAND West Province has recorded a sharp rise in malaria cases this year, with more than 25 000 infections and 78 deaths reported since January, nearly double the province’s average of 14 000 annual cases over the past five years.
This came out during a joint monitoring visit to Magunje Hospital on Wednesday, where village health workers and officials highlighted progress and challenges in responding to the outbreak, particularly in Hurungwe District, one of the worst affected areas.
Village health workers said awareness campaigns, indoor spraying and the distribution of mosquito nets were beginning to reduce new infections.
“There has been a noticeable decrease in the number of new cases as we continue educating communities about the consistent use of mosquito nets,” said Ms Sophia Muchairi from Maponga Village in Ward 23.
“The training we received has helped save lives, especially in apostolic sect communities that were initially reluctant to participate.”
Her colleague, Mr Friday Kavhinga from Nyakasikana, said communities were being encouraged to keep their surroundings clean to minimise mosquito breeding.
“We are advising people to cut tall grass around their homes, properly dispose of empty bottles and containers, and fill up pits that collect stagnant water,” he said.
However, health workers said their work was being slowed by resource shortages.
“We operate without mobile airtime and bicycles to move between villages,” said Mr Fundisai Gozi.
“Sometimes we get missed call alerts from people seeking help but cannot respond because of a lack of airtime or low phone battery power.”
According to a Government assessment, the main causes of the surge in malaria cases include inconsistent use of mosquito nets, unreclaimed mining pits left by artisanal miners, and poor disposal of waste containers.
To strengthen the response, the Government of Zimbabwe has partnered with the Red Cross, with funding support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The support targets Hurungwe District, where over 8 000 cases and 25 deaths have been recorded.
At least 500 volunteer village health workers have been trained to support malaria control activities.
