THUS far for 2013, 38,000 long lasting, insecticide treated mosquito nets have been distributed in Regions 1, 7, 8, 9 and certain areas of Region 10, according to Dr. Reyaud Rahaman, the Director of Vector Control Services of the Global Fund to fight Malaria, in a telephone interview done yesterday with this publication. Dr Rahaman said malaria cases, although under control, are not decreasing; so in addition to distributing the nets, the teams visiting these areas will distribute educational pamphlets and posters, and conduct training workshops on practicing safe health habits, like sleeping under nets and using insect repellents to help reduce malaria cases.

Over the past year, incidents of malaria contraction have been increasing in various regions across the country, and emergency teams have taken to different parts of the country to assess the situation and commence the fight to control the disease.

In tackling malaria in Guyana, the Health Ministry had set out to distribute over 50,000 specially treated bed nets throughout this year. This initiative will be executed through relations with the Regional Democratic CouncilS, the Ministry of Public Works, Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Forest Producers Association, and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association. (Gabriela Patram)