Health Reporter
MALARIA has claimed a total of 39 people across the country since the beginning of this year, a Ministry of Health and Child Care report shows.
Statistics from the report indicate that a cumulative total of 17 623 cases have been recorded countrywide to date, with 299 of those cases being of children under the age of five.
Manicaland and Mashonaland Central are the worst affected provinces.
“The cumulative figures for malaria are 17 623 since the beginning of 2023 and 39 deaths respectively. The provinces that reported the highest number of cases were Manicaland and Mashonaland provinces,” reads part of the statement.
Meanwhile, indoor residual spraying (IRS) in 24 districts across the country has been completed as part of efforts to curb the disease, adds the ministry.
Malaria cases normally shoot up between October and April.
Said the ministry: “Indoor residual spraying is targeted at districts that have high malaria transmission. These districts record cases of five and more per 1 000 population. Districts that record four cases and blow per 1 000 population are targeted to receive long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).”
The ministry urged communities living near drainable swamps to make drains to enable water to flow as this helps to reduce mosquito density.
The public was also implored to go for testing and treatment services within 24 hours of malaria symptoms.