19 Nov 2015

Minister of Health, Ms Dorcas Makgato has called for harmonised malaria interventions in the region as they had to factor in migration of people crossing from one country to the other. 

Speaking at the commemoration of SADC Malaria Day in Kazungula recently, Ms Makgato noted that the theme for this year which is ‘Strong cross border collaboration is key to malaria elimination’ recognises the region’s collective aspirations towards control and elimination of malaria and aligns with SADC’s vision of regional integration. 

“Thus it is important that policies and processes are in place to ensure regional and cross-border collaboration and that information and knowledge should be freely exchanged between member states,” she noted. 

Additionally, she said, cross border collaborations was a regional priority as articulated in the SADC revised Regional Indicative Strategy Development Plan. 

She emphasised the need for regional integration in procurement within the health sector. 

“This makes a lot of sense as we are dealing with the same diseases across SADC and as such share the same interests,” she said. World Health Organisation (WHO) representative, Ms Kentse Moakofhi also emphasised the need for regional cooperation in malaria elimination. 

“Freedom to live free of malaria parasite and malaria mosquitoes depends, to a great extent on the strong solidarity of cross border collaboration with effective inter-country and sub-regional malaria elimination efforts,” she said. 

Although country borders were defined by international laws and agreements, she said, mosquitoes and parasites had their own natural ecological and environmental boundaries as they move freely across international borders. 

She further highlighted that the year 2015 is a milestone year for Southern Africa and Africa at large as they take stock of their progress and performance in reaching the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and plans to take forward Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

Member of Parliament for Chobe, Mr Machana Shamukuni noted that progress has been made in his district. He said Chobe had registered 85 confirmed cases of malaria in the years 2013/14, which dropped to 14 cases in 2014/15. 

“The diminishing numbers of malaria cases in Chobe is an indication that intervention measures such as indoor residual spraying, distribution of treated bed nets and public education on malaria are beginning to show positive results in our fight against malaria,” he noted. 

Mr Shamukuni urged the community to pay more attention to health education campaigns that seek to enable them to recognise signs and symptoms of malaria early, provide home-based treatment and use of personal protective measures. 

“Please open doors for indoor residual spraying teams to spray your houses, use treated bed nets and seek medical attention as early as possible in order to avoid complications and unnecessary deaths,” he warned. 

The forum was attended by SADC members of health. Ends