MALARIA MAY STRIKE AGAIN

Visit Anti-malaria Office before going on tour to Malaria risk countries, says AMM

Although Sri Lanka was declared by the WHO as Malaria Free, the disease could be reintroduced by tourists, the Anti-malaria Movement said. The claim was made at a press briefing held on Sunday in Anuradhapura organized by the Anti Malaria Movement Dr M. Marasinghe and Anuradhapura Divisional Anti-malaria Movement official Ravindra Jayaneththi.

“With the influx of tourists from countries where the Malaria is still being diagnosed the possibility of the spread is possible,” an official said.

Malaria is identified not only as a deadly disease but also a malady that would bring in long-term social and economic repercussions.

At the time this sickness was widespread in the country, a large portion of the Sri Lankan population fell victim to it and their sickness led to several of them being prone to severe mental and physical disabilities.

We advise that before undertaking a tour to India they visit the Anti Malaria Movement head Office in Narahenpita and obtain the necessary guidelines in avoiding contacting this disease

In 2016 Sri Lanka was promoted as a country free of Malaria by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“But with Sri Lankans returning after touring countries, which have not achieved this position, like India, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, Peru, Madagascar, and certain African countries, and tourists from these countries could subscribe to the spread of this sickness once again here,” he said.

The movement also pointed out that most Sri Lankans arriving after touring India on pilgrimages have contacted this disease.

“Therefore we advise that before undertaking a tour to India they visit the Anti Malaria Movement head Office in Narahenpita and obtain the necessary guidelines in avoiding contacting this disease.