Experts call for behavioural change for IRS effectiveness

As the fourth phase of the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) continues to take course, experts from the Malaria Unit in TRAC plus have urged all Rwandans to embrace the initiative that aims at further reduction of malaria mortality rates. In a bid to enable the public understand the details and impact of this procedure, the malaria unit in partnership with Population Services International (PSI) – a global health organisation, recently trained journalists about IRS. During the presentations, Emmanuel Hakizimana, a Vector Control Manager at the unit explained that it is imperative for Rwandans to know that the insecticides sprayed are not allergic as most people say. “We always advise people to spend some good hours before entering the houses so that this disinfectant can thoroughly dissolve in the house. It is not allergic at all and this is something people must understand,” Hakizimana explained. Francois Niyitegeka from the Case Management Department of the malaria unit also noted that once sprayed, all mosquitoes that enter the house will die. He also added that another advantage of the procedure is that it totally disinfects the whole house against any other insects. According to officials, residual spraying has so far covered 20 districts nationwide while all the remaining districts are set to be covered by the end of the year. With regard to the presentations, the government through the Ministry of Health has successfully attained a 60 percent malaria reduction rate through various interventions. Hakizimana said that while spraying has significantly reduced malaria infections, distribution of over 4 million mosquito nets countrywide as well as increased utilisation of health facilities has also significantly curbed the rates of malaria deaths. Ends

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Experts call for behavioural change for IRS effectiveness