adminLeonard Ncube Senior Reporter
THE government is working on synchronising malaria control programmes with Zambia aimed at spraying both sides of the Zambezi River to reduce malaria carrying mosquitos. The Matabeleland North provincial epidemiologist Dr Munekayi Padingani said malaria prevalence was high in Zambia hence the decision for a joint anti-malaria spraying.
“Mosquitoes can cross the river so we want to synchronise our operations with Zambia and spray both sides,” he said.
Dr Padingani who was speaking at a malaria workshop being attended by representatives from all the province’s seven districts in Dete, said the workshop was meant to review the anti-malaria interventions.
He said although malaria prevalence had been reduced, the ministry was targeting indoor residual spraying of all households in the province.
“The anti-malaria spraying is targeted at all households in the affected areas,” said Dr Padingani.
He said Binga and Hwange districts remain the most affected by mosquitoes because of their proximity to the Zambezi River and high temperatures.
Dr Padingani said his office will soon roll out a massive mosquito nets distribution programme in all districts although the main focus will be on Bubi and Umguza districts, which did not benefit last year when Lupane, Nkayi, Binga, Tsholotsho, and Hwange benefited.
Malaria is prevalent during the rainy season as stagnant water and swampy areas provide breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Online Reporter