adminIn an interview on Wednesday, Matabeleland North provincial epidemiology and disease control officer in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Dr Effison Dhodho, said the month-long survey started on 14 March and would enable the ministry to trace the progress made in combating malaria.
“The survey is charecterised by day-to-day research, which will tell us areas that are more burdened by malaria,” said Dr Dhodho.
He said after identifying the areas, they would then design area-specific intervention mechanisms to curb the disease.
“The survey will help us compare transmission of malaria among districts so that we can determine where there is high transmission rate.
“Through the survey we can also be able to see the effect of malaria on pregnant women as well as children,” said Dr Dhodho.
He said they would be conducting interviews on malaria as well as carrying out blood tests which would be sent to the National Health Research Centre for analysis.
“After the data for each of the 10 provinces has been analysed, a national report will be released and it will tell us where we stand in terms of meeting the MDGs by 2015,” said Dr Dhodho.
He said the survey would also measure household ownership of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and their use, especially by children under five years of age and pregnant women.
“The survey will also gather additional information on indoor residual spraying (IRS), and background data on the characteristics of household members and ownership of household assets such as electricity, bicycles, radios and indoor plumbing,” said Dr Dhodho.
To date the malaria-prone Matabeleland North province has managed to reduce malaria cases by 50 percent compared to last year and is in line to meet the MDGs by 2015.
Since the onset of this year’s malaria season the province has been recording an average of 80 cases a week against 200 in 2010.
Malaria has seasonal transmission in Matabeleland North and it follows rainfall patterns.
During summer when the rains begin, there are a lot of breeding sites since pools of stagnant water begin to accumulate. During winter cases are very few.
According to the malaria guidelines in Zimbabwe, Coartemether is the first line drug in malarial treatment while Chloroquine is being withdrawn and used for other diseases.
According to the revised training manual for management of malaria at district level (2006) Chloroquine has been for years been the first line treatment for malaria.
Malaria treatment is free of charge in Zimbabwe, though the disease remains a threat to thousands.
Online Reporter