Prof Mwakyusa highlights ways to fight malaria
The several available interventions tools in the fight against malaria could minimise the effects of the disease if they were properly utilised. Speaking during the 'Fight Malaria Partners Gala' in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, Minister for Health and Social Services Prof David Mwakyusa said appropriate deployment of available intervention measures would mitigate deleterious effects, including deaths.
He mentioned strategic interventions available as vector control, early diagnosis, prompt and correct treatment, intermittent preventive medication in pregnant women, use of insecticide treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying. Prof Mwakyusa said research has proved that use of insecticide treated nets could reduce child mortality by 30 per cent and anaemia in children and pregnant women by 60 per cent.
He said in efforts to prevent this vulnerable group against the disease, the government has been issuing highly subsidized insecticide treated nets to all pregnant women and children under five years old. He said effectively this month, the government has started distributing 7.2 million nets to under five years old free of charge, while at the same time, finalising arrangement to avail two to three long-lasting insecticide nets (LLIN) per household freely.
Speaking during the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with A to Z factory in Arusha, Mr Anuj Shah, commended the government for initiating the universal net coverage programme, saying it was the right direction towards preventing Tanzanians against malaria.
A to Z in conjunction with a Tokyo based Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd are producing the LLIN branded Olyset net in Arusha since 2003, manufacturing over 25 million nets per annum supplied in 25 countries in Africa. The factory employs over 6,000 people, according to Mr Shah.
Speaking during the function, the Sumitomo Chemical Executive Officer, Mr Ray Nishimoto, said he was happy that the long relationship between the governments of Japan and Tanzania and its people has resulted in such major intervention that seeks to protect the people against malaria.
He was optimistic that the partnership will further be strengthened and extended to other collaborations for the benefit of the economy and the welfare of the people of the two countries. The function which was organised by the A to Z in collaboration with Sumitomo Chemicals was attended by various dignitaries from Japan and Tanzania, particularly those working in the war against malaria.
Malaria remains number one killer disease in the country affecting 18 million people annually and claiming up to 100,000 lives every year, majority of which are pregnant women and children below five years.
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