MUHANGA - Grassroots leaders in Muhanga district have re-affirmed their commitment to reduce cases of malaria by 30 percent from the current target of 50 percent by the end of this year.

Over 100 local leaders made the resolution this Thursday, during training on prevention, treatment and ways of minimising the impact of malaria.

They said the new target will be reached through increased prevention awareness campaigns and distribution of more mosquito nets.

"It is our role to educate residents and address such issues which are important to the community. We have the knowledge and skills and it a time to act, so as to kick malaria out of Rwanda,” said Savera Mukangarambe, the Nyagacyamo village leader, in Shyogwe sector.

Sostène Umutoniwase Kamana, the district health official said, "Local leaders have to collaborate and be exemplary in order to have an impact on the fight against malaria, which the government has prioritized as a way of poverty reduction.”

Clement Niyonzima, the Imbuto Foundation representative, called on local leaders to support the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame’s initiative of having children and mothers access medical care in order to reduce child and mother mortality rates in Rwanda.

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