MUHANGA - The Ministry of Health has stepped up the campaign to fight malaria in rural Rwanda through drama.

On March 12, Urunana Development Communications, staged plays which attracted hundreds of residents of Nyarusange sector, Muhanga district.

A series of malaria education skits were presented by the famous Urunana radio comedians, in a bid to increase awareness about the disease.

Speaking at the event, Jean Pierre Habimana, a Ministry of Health official, observed that such plays enable rural residents to acquire basic knowledge of combating malaria.

"The campaign has resulted into a reduction of malaria cases countrywide. Such plays are very educative in providing residents with direct knowledge of preventing malaria infections,” he said.

The play highlighted ways of using mosquito nets, signs and ways of preventing malaria, and its impact.

Most residents acknowledged that involving popular actors in the campaign was instrumental in delivering the message.

Beatrice Uwamariya, the Executive Secretary of Nyarusange Sector, said, "This area is prone to malaria infection because of swamps. Residents need such drama so as to change their slow response to malaria prevention mechanisms.”

The campaign was sponsored by the Global Fund through Health Unlimited project. Similar events will be presented in various rural areas countrywide.

Ends