adminPaidamoyo Bore
ZIMBABWE will today join the rest of the world in observing World Malaria Day under the theme ‘Time To Deliver Zero Malaria, Innovate, Implement.’
The theme resonates with the Government’s push to eradicate the tropical disease.
Last year, Zimbabwe made remarkable progress in the fight against malaria by recording a 93 percent decline in cases.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has appealed to the public to stop misusing mosquito nets obtained from health facilities.
The Ministry has also advised people to use treated mosquito nets.
Pregnant women and parents with minors, visiting health facilities for antenatal and regular check-ups, are being given mosquito nets for free to reduce the risk of malaria.
The Ministry reports that approximately 10 million people are at risk of contracting malaria, and pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, and children under five years are at the highest risk.
According to the mid-April disease surveillance report, there were 4 749 malaria cases and six deaths reported, with 543 of the cases comprising children under five.
The cumulative numbers of malaria cases stood at 42 020 with 72 deaths, and Mashonaland Central province had the highest number of cases.
This shows that there is still a long way to go to achieve zero malaria, and it is important for individuals, communities, and the Government to work together in the fight against this deadly disease.
Mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, and early diagnosis and treatment are some of the key interventions in the fight against malaria.
It is also important to invest in research and innovation to develop new tools and strategies to combat this disease.
Online Reporter