MALARIA cases are on the increase amid revelations that Zimbabwe has recorded more than 350 malaria related deaths this year up from 250 recorded over the same period last year
While the national malaria programme -2016 to 2020 targets reducing national incidences of malaria to 5 people per 1000 by year-end, the statistics are still too high with 26 people infected per every 1000.
The largest burden is in three provinces which recorded 84% of malaria cases last year, with Manicaland contributing 35%, Mashonaland East 26% and Mashonaland Central 23%.
The alarming figures have prompted the Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with the National Aids Council to engage high-risk groups such as artisanal miners and fishermen to reduce malaria-related mortality and morbidity.
National Aids Council Provincial Manager, Mr. Edgar Muzulu highlighted the exposure to malaria on those who work on night-shifts, specifically artisanal miners, fishermen and irrigation workers.
“We are targeting artisanal miners by the fact they work through the night, fishermen who work during the night and irrigation workers they are not time-bound so they are prone to mosquito bites and malaria.
“In this time of Covid, we are also raising awareness to their representatives so that they have correct information and cascade information down.”
Equipped with information, fishermen and artisanal miners from Mbire and Shamva, the areas worst affected by malaria, plan to engage their peers and communities.
Simon Karombo Shamva who is a miner said: “We have seen many people accessing medication too late so when I go back I will encourage early testing for malaria.”
“Some nets have been abused and used for fishing but I’ve learnt that we are at high risk of malaria so I have to help others see the value of using mosquito nets,” says fisherman, Jealous Alfai Ngoma.
