Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
MASHONALAND West has recorded 101 new malaria cases in the past 24 hours, as health authorities intensify intervention measures to contain the outbreak across the province.
According to the latest provincial situation report, Hurungwe accounted for the highest number of new infections with 45 cases, followed by Sanyati (24), Makonde (14), Zvimba (11), Mhondoro-Ngezi (3), Kariba (2) and Chegutu (2).
The province also recorded one new death at Siakobvu Hospital, bringing the cumulative fatalities to 24 since January, while total cases now stand at 5 981.
Health officials said vulnerable groups remain at risk, with nine of the new cases affecting children under five and four involving pregnant women.
Despite the increase in infections, authorities noted that the fatality rate remains low at 0,40 percent, while incidence levels are still below one per 1 000 population across districts.
Four districts, Kariba, Hurungwe, Makonde and Sanyati are currently under control, while Mhondoro-Ngezi, Chegutu and Zvimba are in the malaria elimination phase.
Mashonaland West provincial medical director, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Celestino Dhege, said the province had scaled up response efforts, including the distribution of antimalarial drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits and artesunate injections, which have been pre-positioned across the province.
Vector control interventions are also underway, with indoor residual spraying completed in Hurungwe, achieving 90 percent room coverage and protecting 88 percent of the population.
In addition, authorities are rolling out insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) through continuous and mass distribution campaigns in targeted districts such as Kariba and Makonde.
Community awareness campaigns have been intensified through radio programmes, roadshows and village health education sessions, with health workers and community volunteers conducting surveillance and case investigations in hotspot areas.
Officials said ongoing mass testing and treatment in high-risk communities, coupled with strengthened surveillance systems, are expected to curb further spread of the disease.
