Rwanda is plagued by malaria and it’s a challenge. It is really facing a hard time in curbing or reducing this deadly disease. If the country is to achieve the dream of eliminating the disease by 2030, then efforts must be improved.

Head of East and Southern Africa Cluster for Novartis Social Business, Dr Nathan Mulure, expressed the need for increased sensitization in the prevention of malaria if the disease must be eliminated by 2030.

“People need to be well informed of the need to ensure they are tested before treatment and also to complete their dose once treatment is initiated,” Dr Mulure said.

Rwanda’s Ministry Of Health and officials of Southern Province has launched a campaign to raise awareness on malaria prevention in Gisagara District of Rwanda’s Southern Province. Gisagara District was selected for the launch of the campaign because it had the highest number of malaria deaths in the country.

Speaking with Sunday Times, Dr Mulure said Rwanda over the years, have managed to reduce the number of cases and deaths due to increased awareness and the provision of treated mosquito nets and anti-malaria drugs and a targeted approach by the malaria control program.

“Community health workers were also equipped with diagnostic kits to track malaria cases in the villages and administer treatment.
Rwanda has also increased surveillance and operational research to monitor gains in malaria and ensures treatment is readily available.”

Dr Mulure attributed the improvement to Rwanda’s ministry of health. The ministry of health has put in place quick responses mechanisms to contain and manage the disease.

Culled from www.newtimes.co.rw