General News of Tuesday, 24 April 2018
Source: Myjoyonline.com
2018-04-24
File photo: Mosquito
The National Malaria Control Programme says it is working to eliminate the killer disease totally.
The Programmes Manager, Dr Kezia Malm, says although 600 deaths were recorded in health facilities across the country in 2017, that is a great improvement compared to previous years.
Speaking a day ahead of the commemoration the World Malaria Day, Dr Malm said most of the deaths were as a result of late reporting at the hospital. This year’s celebration is under the theme, ‘Ready To Beat Malaria’.
“Because they [patients] come in late, most arrive with anaemia so it is too late to help them,” she told Roland Walker on the AM Show Tuesday.
She said her outfit is working with the health facilities to get patients into the hospitals early.
“We have focused on preventing people from getting malaria but when those that are unfortunate get it, we ensure they get prompt and effective treatment,” she said.
She added that they have also championed the use of mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying…and prevention methods for pregnant women.
“For pregnant women, we also promote intermittent preventive treatment where we put them on medication once every month till they deliver and it protects the unborn child.”
She also told the AM show that her outfit introduced a new intervention method three years ago where they give children under five a medication to prevent malaria.
“This is because of the high burden rate in the northern part of the country. Their situation is a very high burden and very seasonal,” she explained.