26 Sep 2018

North West District commissioner, Mr Keolopile Leipego, has encouraged government departments to support the Ngami District Health Management Team in its Malaria elimination drive.

The district commissioner was speaking at a Malaria campaign consultative meeting in Maun on September 24.

Mr Leipego urged heads of departments (HoDs) to help the Ngami DHMT attain its target in Indoor Residual Spray (IRS).

Ngami DHMT had cited access to institutional houses as one of the main challenges in the Malaria campaign during the spraying season between December and October.

Ngami DHMT head, Dr Malebogo Kebabonye, had earlier stated that the campaign team always encountered challenges of accessing institutional houses since the occupants wanted a written permission.

District commissioner therefore encouraged heads of departments to address their officers on the issue for smooth running of the exercise.

Mr Leipego also encouraged health professionals to create a strong relationship with different government departments so that they could help find solutions to other challenges encountered in the elimination campaign.

Meanwhile, North West District Council chairperson, Mr Duncan Enga, pledged support on behalf of the council.

Mr Enga said the council was guided by the ‘Batho Pele’ slogan therefore addressing the health challenges was paramount.

He said the politicians in the district should be handy in helping the DHMT lobbying for resources such as transport.

He also said other government departments such as the Central Transport Organisation (CTO) should be brought on board to address the challenge of shortage of transport.

Mr Enga appreciated the effort by Ngami DHMT for engaging with its stakeholders to share their achievements and challenges.

Okavango Sub-council chairperson, Mr Mbahahauka Kambimba, suggested that Ipelegeng workers be engaged as spraying officers to address the challenges of human and financial resources since Ipelegeng workers were already budgeted for.

He also said involving such officers would even reduce the time frame of the spraying exercise.

Councillor Mr Morobela Ledimo of Nxauxau-Tsodilo appreciated the engagement of all stakeholders as well as the reduction of Malaria cases by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Mr Ledimo however highlighted that some structures in rural areas were not suitable for spraying and therefore urged Ngami DHMT to intensify the provision of treated mosquito nets in rural areas. ENDS