The recently intensified countrywide campaign against malaria has reached the Eastern Province. Kirehe District has the highest malaria cases while Nyagatare District has the least in the country. The initiative, which was launched in Mutenderi Sector, Ngoma District on Saturday, aimed to employ strategies to eradicate the deadly disease. Felicite Rwemalika, the chairperson RNGO forum on HIV/AIDS and health promotion, said a stakeholders’ platform was created to plan together in the fight against malaria. She said the campaign would cover distribution of mosquito nets to families, bush cutting, residual spraying, treatment and awareness campaigns. “We were privileged to meet a big number of residents who are ready to embrace methods to fight malaria. So, the beginning is promising and we shall continue the campaign throughout the country,” she said. According to the Ministry of Health, malaria remains a major public challenge and is one of the causes of death among pregnant mothers and children below the age of five. Grassroots leaders in the province re-affirmed their commitment to reduce cases of malaria in communities. Arcade Muragijemungu, the executive secretary Mutenderi Sector, urged other local leaders to collaborate with each other and be exemplary in order to have an impact on the fight against malaria, adding that the government had prioritised to help accelerate the campaign against poverty . “You cannot check poverty in communities affected by malaria. The disease is costly in all terms…leads to expenses, body weakness and even death,” Muragijemungu said. “It is our role to educate residents and address such issues which affect the community. We have the knowledge and skills and it’s a time to act, so as to kick malaria out of Rwanda,” he said. Residents, however, demanded for new mosquito nets. “There are a few or no mosquito nets left in some homes…most of them are also not treated and, therefore, not effective. So, the awareness campaign should be backed by immediate supply of treated mosquito nets,” said Nipomscene Ndahayo, a resident of Mutenderi Sector. Rwanda has experienced a surge in malaria cases since 2012. Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi, over the weekend, launched a 12-month campaign against malaria and poor hygiene in households in Bugesera District. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
