Lebowakgomo - As part of its successful war against malaria, the Limpopo government has set aside an additional R89 million to fight the disease.
Limpopo Health and Social Development MEC Norman Mabasa made the announcement during the tabling of his department's R13 billion budget speech in Lebowakgomo this week.
“During the 2012/13 financial year, 1 372 malaria cases were (reported) in Limpopo, compared to the 3 269 and 4 525 cases reported in the previous two financial years," said Mabasa.
"This success can be attributed to the continuous efforts in the fight against malaria by the department. This financial year (2013/2014), an amount of R89 million has been provided to prevent and control malaria in the affected areas of this province."
Mabasa said the province's main weapon against malaria was its Indoor Residual Spraying Programme, in which dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) is used.
He said in the past financial year, incidents of malaria have been at their lowest level in Limpopo since the year 2000.
“The department managed to spray 1 137 686 structures in the financial year, against a target of 990 000.
"The department remains committed to the fight against malaria, with the ultimate goal of eliminating malaria transmission in the province. This will, however, require on-going investment in the programme, to sustain the current gains,” the MEC said.
Malaria can also be prevented by remaining indoors between dusk and dawn, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and spraying aerosol insecticide for flying insects indoors, especially the bedrooms, after closing the windows at dusk.
Mosquito coils or mosquito mats may also be burned in living and sleeping areas during the night.
People can also hang a mosquito-proof net over their bed, with edges tucked in under the mattress.
Department spokeswoman Sinenhlanhla Gumede said provincial health authorities were always on full alert for malaria cases because Limpopo is a known malaria area.
“All primary health care clinics are fully equipped to deal with malaria patients at community level, with malaria tests and treatment available at all clinics. All hospitals are also prepared to deal with more severe malaria cases,” Gumede said. – SAnews.gov.za
