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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Government has identified Matabeleland South Province as the country’s front-runner in eliminating malaria, the province’s medical director, Dr Brian Abel Maponga, has said.

Dr Maponga said this during the province’s belated World Malaria Day commemorations held at Tshapfuche Primary School in Beitbridge District.

The celebrations were held under the theme: “End Malaria for Good”; accompanied by the slogan: “Yes, We Can Do It.”

He said the target was to reduce malaria incidence from the current 1,5 persons per 1 000 people to one per thousand in the long run.

“As Matabeleland South, we are the front runners in malaria work in Zimbabwe because we are the first province to embark on malaria elimination in the country.

“Malaria related deaths have been going down by two thirds in the province. This year alone, we recorded one death as compared to 10 during last year,” he said.

Dr Maponga said that they were intensifying the fight against the disease in a few areas especially in Beitbridge District, where malaria incidence stood at 70 percent.

He added that the province had for a long time experienced a low burden of the disease.

“Beitbridge District records the highest malaria cases in the province and we chose to commemorate this day here to give all of us an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made. Let us also educate each other on the next steps that we can take to stop the scourge in our society,” said Dr Maponga.

He said the Population Services International (PSI), through Global Fund, would soon distribute long-lasting treated mosquito nets (LLINs) in parts of Gwanda, Bulilima, Mangwe and Matobo.

Dr Maponga said that Government, along with seven others in SADC, had formed a special group of eight to eliminate the disease in the region.

“The other countries are South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola,” he said.

Speaking during the same event, Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson, Mrs Gladys Tlou said the elimination of malaria was critical in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

“The Government, partners and individuals should share achievements made to date in order to encourage further action and investment in (fighting) malaria,” she said.