10 Sep 2014

Okavango Sub-district Health Management Team public relations officer, Ms Nthabiseng Dikole says about six people died from malaria last year.

She said from the recorded 904 confirmed cases, they noted that most affected people were above the age of five. She explained that the figures were recorded from December 2013 to July 2014.

“Last year, we encountered many challenges, which included shortage of equipment, shortage of transport and protective clothing among others,” said Ms Dikole.

She added that the challenges led them to start the indoor residual spraying campaign late. “This year preparations started early in April, we managed to procure almost all the equipment including tents, spraying pumps and protective clothing,” she said.

She said unfortunately they were not going to distribute mosquito nets this season, but would only distribute them again next year, noting that the last distribution was in 2012.

Other members of the DHMT said they were facing many challenges with residents of the district, most of whom stay at the cattle posts. They further explained that when people were not feeling well, they reported at health post late when the bacteria was at an advanced stage.

They also noted that during past IRS campaigns they encountered residents who refused to open their houses to be sprayed with pesticides alleging that it left them with rash while some used mosquito nets for fishing.

Ms Dikole said although the department was currently facing transport challenges, they have requested to source vehicles from the council. She said apart from transport all other aspects of IRS were progressing as planned. 


She pleaded with the public for cooperation as they intensify community mobilisation in their quest for zero malaria cases. Ends