Malaria deaths show a marked decline in Lim, says MEC
The introduction of the malaria spraying campaign has resulted in a decrease in deaths related to the disease in the province.
LIMPOPO – The MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba made this statement during the provincial malaria spraying campaign, held at N’wa Maranga village in Giyani last Thursday.
The campaign aimed to encourage communities and health care providers to be aware of malaria and continue with the spraying campaign.
Ramathuba told CV that the prevalence of the illness remained at between 3 000 to 8 000 cases per year, and that the 2017/18 saw a drastic increase in malaria.
“This was because more than 18 000 cases and 160 deaths were reported in the 2017/18 season,” said Ramathuba.
She said the department was able to turn the situation around with 6 606 cases and 38 deaths reported in the last year.
“This saw us achieving a 65% decline in cases and a 76% decline in deaths. Statistics indeed tell us that we are moving in the right direction.”
She said the department’s target is to achieve zero percent in terms of malaria cases.
Ramathuba described N’wa Maringa village as one of the villages hardest hit by malaria.
“Although malaria is deadly, it remains preventable and so our battle continues. Although the incidence of malaria has declined since 2000, we still have to fight it because transmission persists in the malaria risk areas.”
Ramathuba said people should not hesitate to go for treatment at their nearest clinics and hospitals when experiencing malaria symptoms.
