by Francis Xoagub
OSHIKANGO - World Malaria Day 2010, under the theme "Counting Malaria Out" was commemorated on Friday April 23 at Helao Nafidi under the slogan "Wipe malaria out".
The commemoration started with a march by the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Brass Band, together with placard waving and singing members of the community and other partners.
The commemoration marked a special year in the fight against malaria in Africa because African heads of state and government set a target of reducing malaria illness and death by half, after the Abuja Treaty this year.
"Government cannot fight this battle alone. We depend on the active involvement of everyone who is committed to protecting the health of Namibians," said the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Nchabi Kamwi, who was the guest of honour.
"This is the strength behind the health ministry's malaria control programme, which is leading a multi-sectoral effort towards making Namibia's northern regions free of malaria."
The campaign is to help promote the four key malaria prevention and control actions in Namibia.
The four key actions are nightly use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs), intermittent preventive malaria treatment for pregnant women, indoor residual spraying (IRS) and prompt and appropriate treatment for all malaria infections.
He said people should be made aware that malaria is a disease that should be kicked out of the country and that people should adhere to the four proven malaria control actions.
"If Namibia implements these four proven malarial control actions, our country would be able to address issues of malaria," he noted.
Kamwi said it is important that young children and pregnant women sleep under an ITN every night to protect themselves.
He explained that the campaign would entail the spraying of insecticides on the interior walls of houses to kill and repel malaria transmitting mosquitoes, which could remain active for three to six months.
On a positive note, the minister announced that mortality rates due to malaria in the four northern regions of the country have declined substantially, according to the latest statistics. He, among others, said the mortality rate per 100 000 population fell by 90 percent (from 90 to 10).
He attributed the success rate to increased funding by the Global Fund and technical support provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners. Another contributing factor, according to Kamwi, is accurate diagnosis and treatment with artemisinin-based combination medications instead of the traditional chloroquine.
"The era of the use of chloroquine to treat malaria is past," Kamwi noted.
Governor of the Ohangwena Region, Usko Nghaamwa, said the public should treat malaria with seriousness and a sense of urgency, since it has the potential to cripple the country.
"The battle against malaria cannot be attained without the use of treated nets. The gathering here today will hopefully instill positive influence on how our people perceive malaria and how they should protect themselves from mosquito bites."
Nghaamwa advised infected persons to visit one of the many health centres for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Ohangwena has three district hospitals - Engela, Eenhana and Okongo - two health centres and 27 clinics.
World Malaria Day is marked globally on April 25. Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is a significant public health issue worldwide. Namibia is no exception with approximately 400 000 cases reported last year.
The commemoration was attended by officials from WHO, UNICEF, Global Fund, Red Cross, Society for Family Health and a representative of the Queen of Oukwanyama.