23 Mar 2017

World Health Organisation country representative, Dr Martin Ovberedjo has emphasised the need to educate communities about the benefits and the importance of malaria interventions in order to promote cooperation and proper usage.

He said in an interview that malaria was worrisome especially in Okavango where he said the situation was serious despite ongoing efforts.

He observed that some people resist the interventions such as the indoor residual because of lack of knowledge.

He stressed that relevant authorities should share with communities the importance of such interventions during campaigns and meetings.

“We are aware about the emerging resistance of spraying, reasons advanced by some people and that some use mosquito nets for fishing. I believe we should take it upon ourselves to sensitise the communities about the importance of the interventions so that they do the right thing,” he said.

However, Dr Ovberedjo who was part of the national task team that visited Okavango District appreciated efforts made by the District Health Management Team (DHMT) to fight the disease.

He told a press conference that they managed to visit three locations and some facilities and it was impressive as the district has taken action to address some gaps such as resistance.

He also pointed out that the fight against malaria needs a collective approach adding that measures such as effective surveillance need to be put in place in order to control the situation.

Another member of the task team, Mr Setshwano Mokgweetsinyana appreciated that the district was facing an abnormal situation and thanked DHMT for their efforts.

He expressed happiness that the district was doing well as they were able to gather data and send it to Gaborone.

“We cannot fight an outbreak if there is no data or information,” he added.

He also appreciated that the district had equipped the leadership with awareness messages and precautionary measures to pass to the public so that they could seek medical attention upon noticing early symptoms.

For his part, Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital superintendent, Dr Maxwell Mungisi admitted the issue of resistance, noting that some people were complaining about itchiness, breathless and that they still get bitten by mosquitoes even after spraying.

But he explained that malaria mosquito transmitting disease was unique as it sits first on the wall before it could bite a person.

Earlier on DHMT coordinator, Dr Malebogo Pusoentsi expressed frustration that most of the people who resist were public servants occupying institutional houses.

She said this frustrates their efforts as they believe that public servants should lead by example and also encourage and educate the communities to cooperate during spraying campaigns.

She said since the schools were mostly affected, they have taken up the matter with education authorities.

Dr Pusoentsi stated that more cases of malaria were expected as the rains continued hence it was important to be vigilant. ENDS