Significant decline in malaria deaths in Maputo

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Significant decline in malaria deaths in Maputo

3:09 CAT | 26 Jul 2019

File photo:O País

The number of deaths from malaria in Maputo city has declined significantly, from 36 cases in the first half of 2018 to 11 in the same period this year – a fall of 69%.

The number of recorded cases of malaria in the capital also fell, from 18,349 cases to 12,530, a 32% reduction, according to Maputo City Health Director Sheila Lobo.

“This reduction is due to the community-level strategies we have implemented, such as the distribution of mosquito nets, indoor spraying and others at health facilities. We distributed 20,997 mosquito nets to pregnant women, as well as prophylaxis against malaria during prenatal consultation, ” Lobo said at the opening session of the Second Maputo City Health Coordinator Council, held under the theme “Strengthening Health Services and Social Action for Universal Access”.

With regard to diarrhoeal diseases, Sheila Lobo noted that there were 19,728 reported cases in the first half, resulting in one death, compared to 21,067 reported cases in 2018, with 17 deaths.

The decline is due to awareness lectures, water purifier distribution campaigns and health inspections, among other activities undertaken by the city’s health sector.

Despite the reduction in cases of diarrhoea, sanitation in some Maputo neighbourhoods is still a major concern for the sector.

“We have to improve sanitation if we want to reduce the number of cases of diarrhoea further, especially in the Chamanculo C and Malanga neighbourhoods in Nhlamankulo Municipal District, and in Ferroviário neighbourhood, KaMavota Municipal District. This is where we most frequently focus our efforts, as they have the highest number of cases” Lobo said, adding that she was pleased to announce that Maputo had not reported a single case of cholera since 2017.

Maputo City Governor Iolanda Cintura said that, despite the progress made, Maputo City Health Sector would continue to try to prevent and combat major endemics such as malaria, diarrheal diseases, and HIV/Aids, focusing on the adoption of preventive measures and the promotion of good health and hygiene habits in the community.

Source: Notícias