Public Health Ministry crafting Malaria battle plan

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 25, 2018

While there have been major advances in fighting the mosquito born scourge, malaria continues to pose some challenges in Guyana, particularly in the hinterland areas. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is observing World Malaria Day today (April 25), with an emphasis on the need for 100 percent reach for vector control services across countries.

The Ministry of Public Health is partnering with WHO and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to craft a National Strategic Plan (2015-2020) for the malaria programme in Guyana.

Among other objectives, the strategic plan is aimed at eliminating the transmission of the disease in some areas while increasing the distribution and use of what is referred to as Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) in malaria-affected communities. These areas are mainly Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

The ministry’s Vector Control Services is conducting fogging exercises in all regions and encouraging residents to keep their surroundings clean and free of stagnant water.

The theme for 2018, World Malaria Day is ‘Ready to beat Malaria’ and the goal is to eliminate the disease globally. In 2016, there was an estimated 216 million cases of malaria in 91 countries, an increase of 5 million cases over 2015.

 

By: Delicia Haynes

Editor’s note: Vector control is the main way to prevent and reduce malaria transmission. If coverage of vector control interventions within a specific area is high enough, then a measure of protection will be conferred across the community. WHO recommends protection for all people at risk of malaria with effective malaria vector control. – WHO website.