Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
MALARIA remains a major public health concern in Zimbabwe, particularly in regions with high mosquito activity.
The disease, caused by the plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, continues to claim lives each year.
Despite efforts to combat malaria, the reality on the ground remains dire, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
Already this year, at least two pregnant women in Manicaland have succumbed to malaria, highlighting the continued danger of this preventable disease.
Their tragic deaths underscore the urgency of reinforcing malaria control measures, as delays in diagnosis and limited access to healthcare continue to cost lives.
These women, like many others in rural Zimbabwe, faced challenges in reaching healthcare facilities in time, further proving that malaria remains a formidable adversary.
Malaria symptoms typically appear between 10 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
However, in severe cases, the disease can escalate quickly, making early detection and treatment crucial.
Common symptoms include:
Fever and chills — Often occurring in cycles
Headaches — Persistent and severe
Muscle and joint pain — Leading to fatigue and weakness
Sweating and night sweats — Due to high fevers
Nausea and vomiting — Sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea
Anaemia — Resulting from the destruction of red blood cells
Severe complications — If untreated, malaria can cause organ failure, cerebral malaria (affecting the brain), and death
For years, Zimbabwe has implemented various malaria prevention programmes, but despite these efforts, the disease remains a significant threat.
Prevention strategies include:
1. Vector control (Mosquito prevention)
Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) — Sleeping under treated mosquito nets significantly reduces mosquito bites.
Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) — Applying insecticides to indoor surfaces helps kill mosquitoes that rest inside homes.
Environmental management — Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by draining stagnant water and clearing bushes.
2. Personal protection
Wearing protective clothing — Long-sleeved shirts and trousers help reduce skin exposure.
Using mosquito repellents — Applying repellents with DEET or other effective ingredients prevents bites.
Avoiding outdoor Activities at peak hours — Mosquitoes are most active during the evening and early morning.
3. Chemoprophylaxis (Preventive medications)
Antimalarial Drugs — For travellers and those in high-risk areas, taking prescribed prophylactic medication reduces the risk of infection.
4. Early diagnosis and treatment
Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) — Quick testing in healthcare centres allows for early detection.
Effective Antimalarial Treatment — Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the standard treatment for malaria in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe experiences seasonal malaria outbreaks, particularly in low-lying areas such as Mashonaland, parts of Manicaland, and Matabeleland North.
The government, alongside international organizations, has been working to curb malaria through:
Distribution of bed nets
Community health education
Mass drug administration in high-risk areas
Strengthening of healthcare systems for early detection and response
Yet, despite these interventions, malaria remains a persistent threat.
The recent deaths of pregnant women in Manicaland serve as a painful reminder that more needs to be done.
Many rural clinics lack adequate supplies of rapid diagnostic tests and life-saving malaria medication, making timely intervention difficult.
Several obstacles continue to hinder malaria eradication efforts:
Insecticide resistance — Some mosquito populations have developed resistance to common insecticides.
Climate change — Rising temperatures and increased rainfall create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
Limited access to healthcare — Rural communities face difficulties accessing early diagnosis and treatment.
Public awareness gaps — Some individuals do not use preventive measures effectively.
Malaria continues to devastate families in Zimbabwe, with the recent loss of pregnant women in Manicaland standing as a stark reminder of the disease’s deadly grip.
While efforts to control malaria are commendable, more needs to be done to ensure that communities have access to early diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive measures.
Strengthening awareness, improving healthcare access, and addressing logistical challenges will be key to reducing malaria-related deaths and securing a healthier future for all Zimbabweans.
For more information on malaria, contact [email protected].
