28 Nov 2018

Palapye sub-district ouncillors have been urged to take a lead in the fight against Malaria.

Addressing a meeting of the Palapye Sub-district Council on November 28, Dr Oageng Ntsi said although Botswana was not regarded as highly malaria endemic, the country still experienced the disease, especially after heavy rains.

He said Malaria was high in the Ngamiland, Okavango and Bobirwa areas but Palapye tended to experience the disease after heavy rains.

Dr Ntsi, of the Palapye Hospital said the village recorded 85 cases of Malaria in 2015/2016 and 61 in 2017/2018.

Dr Ntsi said two people lost their lives to the disease in 2015/2016 while one death was recorded in 2017/2018.
country was aiming for Malaria elimination by 2020, Malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium which can be spread through mosquito bites. He said it took nine to 14 days to develop symptoms of Malaria which include fever, body aches, nausea, unconsciousness and passing black or dark brown urine.

Dr Ntsi urged councillors to advise the community to prevent the spread of Malaria by destroying mosquito breeding places and protect themselves from being bitten by using repellants, nets and wearing long sleeved shirts.

He also advised those travelling to Malaria endemic countries to take prophylaxis.

Councilors thanked the Palapye Hospital for sharing information with them adding that they would in turn share it with their respective communities.    

They further commended the hospital for always sharing health tips noting that knowledge empowered people. Ends