BUBANZA July 3rd (ABP) – The Minister of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS, Dr Sylvie Nzeyimana, calls for the proper use of mosquito nets, as it is one of the effective means of fighting against malaria. She announced it on Thursday June 29, 2023, in Mpanda commune of Bubanza province (north-west of Burundi), during the celebration of World Malaria Day.
In her speech, Mrs. Nzeyimana said that this day came at a time when malaria remains the leading cause of mortality. The most vulnerable, she continued to say, are pregnant women and children under five. The day also came when the malaria vaccine, recommended by the WHO to prevent it, has been found. She pointed out that the procedures are already underway for the vaccine to arrive in Burundi.
The minister in charge of public health also mentioned the Government’s efforts in the fight against malaria. She cited in this case the mass distribution of mosquito nets filled with insecticides, the free treatment of malaria for pregnant women and children under 5 years old.
As for the WHO representative, he promised the strengthening of multiform support to the country in the prevention of malaria and the fight against this scourge. He asked the Government to ensure that everyone can access the quality malaria control services they need at an affordable price, a check on the site by ABP has revealed.
Minister Nzeyimana took the opportunity to ask local administrative officials to ensure that those who use mosquito nets in fields and others are punished in accordance with the law.
The other appeal is to resort to healthcare facilities whenever symptoms of malaria appear.
The Minister in charge of public health also distributed mosquito nets to women in prenatal consultation at the Mpanda Health Center.
It is worthy to note that the World Malaria Day was celebrated, under the theme “It’s time to achieve Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement”.