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John Murwira in KARIBA
There has been an increase in malaria cases in Nyaminyami District, particularly in Mola and Mayovhe communal lands, with 200 cases reported so far.

However, no fatalities have been recorded.

Mashonaland West provincial health and promotions officer in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Mr George Kambondo said Government is already on the ground to control the outbreak.

“We have learnt of malaria attacks in Kariba, with Mola and Mayovhe wards being the most affected, as 237 cases having tested positive so far,” he said.

Mr Kambondo said Government would revert to dual protection in the malaria-infested areas after conducting indoor residual spraying in recent years.

“We have already started mobilising people, with village health workers registering them for mosquito nets, which are going to be distributed soon.”

Government, he said, also had adequate medication at all clinics in the affected areas.

People become vulnerable when they relocate from their sprayed houses to makeshift huts during agricultural activities, he said.

“It is in those areas where they are attacked by mosquitoes as they spend much of their time protecting their fields from animals,” added Mr Kambondo.

“Sixty percent of people living in these areas spend most of their time in their fields where they are exposed to mosquito attacks.”

The poor road network in the Siakobvu-Mola area has also affected Government’s malaria prevention programmes.

In Mashonaland West Province, Nyaminyami (Kariba) and Hurungwe districts are the most affected by the disease.