THE Ministry of Health through the Vector Control Services is ramping up its fight against the spread of malaria via the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets in areas where the mosquito borne disease is prevalent.
At a press conference in December, the unit committed to distributing 50,000 nets commencing from January 15. That process started yesterday and was advanced with the presentation of 5000 Long Lasting Impregnated Nets (LLINs) to the Regional Health Officer (RHO) (ag) for Region 7, Merlene Ferrier.
There were 8,578 new cases of malaria recorded in 2012 with 4,593 positive rechecks. The treated nets will serve several communities in Region 7 and will target miners in particular. RHO Ferrier explained that malaria has long been a challenge probably because Region Seven is the largest mining area, and there is also a large influx of Brazilians into the mining industry.
Explaining that there has been an increase in recheck in malaria cases, she pointed out that this was due to the fact that those persons had not completed their treatment and so suffered a relapse. While most of the malaria cases are found in mining districts, the RHO said health workers also contract the disease due to the period of time spent in the fields.
Ferrier noted that while the Region has not been distributing nets on a large scale, it is hoped that the availability of the 5,000 nets will make an impact on the people who will be receiving them.
She urged the recipients to use the nets for the purpose they are intended since when miners return home they often take the nets with them and return without them.
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran during the handover ceremony, emphasised that education is also a key aspect of the initiative. In this regard, posters and pamphlets containing information on malaria will be distributed along with the nets. Additionally, the Ministry will be hosting another discussion group this time with emphasis on malaria. This activity is currently being organised and will be held within a month.
In order to ensure accountability, Minister Ramsaran explained that two forms have been prepared, which were signed by the RHO. One is the distributor agreement and the other will see each recipient affixing his or her signature upon receipt of a net.
Some of the other activities the Malaria Unit will be undertaking is carrying out mass blood and fever surveys every 21 days in all mining camps and villages, complete radical cure of every confirmed malaria case based on standard treatment guidelines, and extending outreaches and mass health education and awareness programmes to poor and vulnerable groups and engaging new national partners. A malaria conference has also been planned.
Over the past few years with the assistance of Global Fund, the Ministry distributed over 16,000 nets around the country. With the recognition that this was a major contributor to controlling malaria cases, the Health Minister said the activity will be expanded.
A report from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said allocations will also be made to other regions. Additionally, GINA said nets are to be distributed to the Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association for distribution to enhance the malaria fight.