| 25 May 2010 |
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Strategy to eliminate malaria by 2019
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SANAA -- Around 60 percent of the population of Yemen lives in places that are vulnerable to malaria, according to Dr. Adel Al-Jassari, head of the National Malaria Control Program.
Last week, the program launched a strategy to eliminate malaria infections in Yemen by the year 2019.
The strategy aims to eradicate malaria through spraying breeding sites with pesticides.
The strategy also aims to refresh epidemic surveillance techniques through information and early response systems on epidemics and by conducting applied studies. Around 60 percent of the population of Yemen lives in places that are vulnerable to malaria, according to the National Malaria Control Program.YT YT photo by: Sadeq Al-Wesabi
Information systems will depend on case management to provide people with quick diagnosis services and early treatment and to create quality control systems.
The strategy also aims to reinforce the malaria program mission by establishing support systems through human resources and infrastructure development, monitoring and evaluation and creating supply and maintenance systems.
The strategy works to activate health education and awareness among people through the media, social mobilization and building partnerships with relevant organizations.
"Eradication of malaria is our responsibility and it needs great effort and real support," said Dr. Shawqi Al-Maori, from the program.
"For a Yemen without malaria, we should all cooperate to accomplish this goal," he added.
"Although malaria elimination needs political movement to adopt a strategy, decision makers are not interested in doing this," said Al-Jassari during the workshop.
"Malaria is an economic burden on families who are affected and on the country as a whole" he said.
"Millions of people die annually in the world due to malaria, 71 percent of them are children," said Mohammed Al-Hanmi, the supervisor of the program.
Health education about malaria, personal prevention and early diagnosis are very important, according to Dr. Bilquis Fare, a specialist on malaria.
"The Ministry of Agriculture must ensure that agricultural projects have no negative consequence for public health," she said.
She advised people to cover uncovered wells, fill ponds and marshes, use mosquito nets and cover windows with nets. She also urged people to consult the doctors who work with the malaria program.
"People must realize that effective prevention of malaria only comes when people follow the proper methods of prevention," she added.
By Sadeq Al-Wesabi
© Yemen Times 2010
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