Minister of Health, Kumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has emphasized that the fight against malaria can only be won if all those involved pull their resources together.
Speaking when she presided over the commemoration of the 2024 World Malaria Day in the area of Senior Chief Nthondo in Ntchisi District, the minister stressed that it is possible to eliminate the disease by 2030 in the country through collaboration and following necessary preventive measures like vaccinations, sleeping in treated mosquito nets especially for expectant mothers and early prescription treatment.
“I was in Japan recently and I learned with awe that they last registered a malaria case in 1962. This raised an awakening in me that our friends have so far been doing everything right in efforts to eliminate the pandemic, so where are we missing it as a country?” She wondered.
She has since underscored the government’s commitment to the cause.
World Health Organisation’s (WHO) National Professional Officer for Malaria, Dr Michael Kayange, echoed the need for working together, saying significant progress is already being registered.
He said: “We need to pay serious attention to the strategies and the WHO-approved interventions…and we should strive to achieve and sustain optimal coverage of these interventions which is 80 percent and above.”
Ntchiso District Council’s Chairperson, Arnold Kapolo, and Senior Chief Nthondo took turns to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that every community member abides by the WHO-approved interventions.
By James Mwale, MANA
