Mashonaland West province has recorded its fifth malaria-related death as the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the province have surpassed 1 000 since last month.
Health authorities reported 26 new malaria cases in the past 24 hours, highlighting the continued risk in both controlled and elimination districts.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care indicated that the new cases were reported in Hurungwe (10), Makonde (7), Sanyati (3), and Mhondoro Ngezi (1). No new cases were recorded among children under five or pregnant women.
The province has seven districts, four of which Kariba, Hurungwe, Makonde, and Sanyati are under control, while Mhondoro Ngezi, Chegutu, and Zvimba remain in the elimination phase.
To curb the outbreak, the ministry says it continues to distribute artesunate injections, malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) across the province. Health education campaigns in the communities are ongoing, supported by mobile awareness teams, radio broadcasts, and distribution of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.
According to the provincial situational analysis, indoor residual spraying (IRS) operations in Hurungwe targetted at wards reporting higher cases have been delayed due to persistent rains, while insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are currently out of stock, orders have been placed to replenish supplies for continuous distribution.
Health authorities stressed the importance of consistent ITN use and prompt reporting of malaria symptoms.
- ‘Zec refuses to release voters roll’…Mangwana, Silaigwana evasive
- In Full: Nineteenth post-cabinet press briefing: July 05, 2022
- Health talk: Be wary of measles, its a deadly disease
- Harare man ordered to pay US$100K in adultery damages
Keep Reading
Provincial and district health teams continue to monitor the situation through malaria threshold graphs, and spot maps, particularly focusing on high-burden facilities and elimination districts.
