Mwansabombwe district forms malaria taskforce

—–The Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, in Mwansabombwe District has formed a malaria task force.

The formation of the malaria task force comes as a result of the high rate of malaria cases where seven out of ten children taken to clinics in the district test positive for malaria.

Speaking during the meeting to form the task force, District Community Medical Officer, Kelvin Sinkala, said the formation of the task force is of great importance to the district as it will be in charge of disseminating information on malaria and the mass distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets.

Dr Sinkala said malaria is the number one killer disease compared to HIV/AIDS as perceived by many with children being the most vulnerable, adding that Mwansabombwe has not been left out as it has continued to
record deaths from the disease.

He said despite government releasing insecticide treated nets, there has still been an increase in malaria related deaths especially in children.

Dr SInkala said Mwansabombwe district has a 60 per cent usage of insecticide treated nets which he said calls for concern among stakeholders.

He expressed sadness at the myth surrounding mosquito nets like causing one to suffocate and the misuse of nets especially for fishing.

He said it is sad some fishing camps visited, where found to be using mosquito nets for fishing while other people use the nets forcing the their gardens.

Dr Sinkala said the malaria task force programme will also work with World Vision to ensure that malaria is eradicated in the district.