Govt’s indoor residual spraying over 50pc complete

INDOOR residual spraying (IRS) programme to eliminate mosquitoes and reduce malaria-related deaths is now more than 50 percent complete in Manicaland’s seven districts, an official has confirmed.

Provincial epidemiology and diseases control officer in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga told The Herald that they were using a chemical rotation method in this year’s IRS programme.

He said they were using Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in six districts and organophosphates in Buhera District.

“This year we are using the chemical rotation method, where we alternate the two insecticides to prevent resistance,” said Dr Mukuzunga.

“Districts such as Mutasa, Mutare, Nyanga and Chimanimani districts where organophosphates have been used will this year use DDT together with Chipinge and Makoni.

“Buhera, which had been using DDT for the past four years, will be changing to organophosphates.”

Dr Mukuzunga said their teams were working in three clusters across the province and were targeting to finish work in areas with difficult terrain before the onset of the rains.

“The first cluster comprises Chipinge, Makoni and Buhera, the second Chimanimani and Mutare while the third has Nyanga and Mutasa,” he said.