State enhances malaria fight

GOVERNMENT is implementing a multi-thronged approach to prevent and treat malaria in line with the goal of eradicating malaria, says Ministry of Health spokesperson, Abel Kabalo.

Dr Kabalo said that the Ministry was resolved to ensure effective prevention and treatment of malaria at household and national levels

He pointed out that various methods were being used in the multi-thronged approach including the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spray.

Other methods were effective treatment of malaria, prophylaxis and presumptive treatment in malaria endemic areas.

According to him, the strategies were being implemented according to a preferred method in a given area.

He said that the approaches were all targeted.at reducing the incidences of malaria and enhancing better outcomes where treatment was needed. Dr Kabalo also cautioned volunteer workers who were tasked to distribute mosquito nets not to engage in illegalities.

He noted that some volunteers had been reported to be charging community members for the mosquito nets.

The spokesperson stressed that the nets were free of charge and as such no one must be charged.

Dr Kabalo warned that those found charging would be dealt with as this was not a standard practice and the ministry was not receiving any money for the nets from community members.

And Chongwe district health director, Joseph Kabungo, said that his office had embarked on residual indoor spray in selected areas.

He disclosed that the areas that were not captured in the exercise were receiving mosquito nets as a way of preventing incidences of malaria.

Dr Kabungo also warned volunteer workers and Environmental Health Technicians not to charge any fee for the mosquito nets.