More treatment for malaria is needed

Dear editor, Incomplete treatment that is common in most people has increased the spread of parasite resistance to anti-malaria drugs and thus poses another major problem.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Dear editor,

Incomplete treatment that is common in most people has increased the spread of parasite resistance to anti-malaria drugs and thus poses another major problem.

It has, for instance caused a dramatic rise in the cost of drugs for treating uncomplicated cases of malaria.

People should know that, formerly, malaria control depended heavily on insecticide spraying, but now the selective use of preventive measures, including vector control, is proving to be more successful, cost-effective and sustainable. Thus, taking care of our environment is necessary if we are to eradicate the spread of malaria in our country.

New skills are required if the general health services are to take responsibility for diagnosis and treatment.

People have to adapt to local situations, existing malaria staff has to unclean practices that are no longer effective and communities need to learn about malaria and how to deal with it.

Training and health education ought to be the main focus if the campaign against the spread of malaria is to be successful.

Health agencies must visit people in order to know their surroundings and educate them on how to keep their environment clean and safe from malaria.

Ngoma