What You Need to Know
Public awareness has significantly aided in controlling malaria prevalence, as discussed during a World Malaria Day event in Adi-Felesti, Southern Region. Health officials emphasized the need for community involvement and better practices to combat the disease, which has seen a rise since 2021 due to various factors, including improper use of bed nets.
Africa-Press – Eritrea. Increased public awareness and understanding have been reported to have made a significant contribution to controlling the prevalence of malaria. The comment was made at a program organized in Adi-Felesti, Southern Region, marking World Malaria Day at the regional level.
Commending the participation of the public in efforts to expand health facilities and address their shortcomings, Mr. Sirak Debas, head of health facilities in Dubarwa sub-zone, called for a reinforced role of the public in the eradication of malaria.
Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, head of the Ministry of Health branch in the Southern Region, noted that since 2021, the prevalence of malaria has been increasing in the region. He said the main causes are improper use of impregnated bed nets, lack of sustainable environmental sanitation activities, and failure to clear mosquito breeding areas. He also called for strengthened public participation to that effect.
Mr. Teklemariam Gebreyesus, managing director in the sub-zone, expressed the readiness of the sub-zonal administration to organize the public in efforts to control and eradicate the disease.
Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the region, on his part, called on area administrators, village health representatives, and women to play a leading role in the effort to eradicate malaria.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in many regions, including Eritrea, where efforts to control the disease have been ongoing. The World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of community engagement and education in malaria prevention strategies. In Eritrea, public health campaigns aim to raise awareness about the disease and promote the use of preventive measures such as bed nets and environmental sanitation to reduce mosquito breeding sites. These initiatives are crucial in addressing the rising prevalence of malaria in the Southern Region since 2021.
