Lugari Sub County Malaria Control Coordinator Ms Celine Makokha has expressed concerned over increased cases of malaria infections in the area. Speaking during a health stakeholders meeting held in Lumakanda, Ms. Makokha who is also a nurse at the Lumakanda Sub County hospital said it was disappointing that 12% of the outpatients being treated at various health facilities in the area are tested positive for malaria while 2% to 5% of the inpatients have been diagnosed with malaria.
The coordinator added that 1% to 2% of the deaths in the Sub County are recorded as a result of malaria. Ms. Makokha disclosed that Chevaywa ward has recorded the highest number of malaria cases in the Sub County, especially during this rainy season.
The official regretted the poor utilization of the freely donated long-lasting insecticidal nets by a section of area residents even after the Ministry of Health mounted a series of awareness campaigns on the usage and importance of the sleeping under the nets. “It is regrettable to note that instead of making good use of the mosquito nets, some of our people have simply ignored and kept them in their houses unused while others are using them to protect vegetable gardens while ironically they continue sleeping uncovered thus exposing themselves to the malaria-causing vectors,” said Ms Makokha.
The officer advised residents to make proper use of the mosquito nets cautioning that such acts of ignorance put them in vulnerable situations and more cases of malaria are likely to be reported.
She appealed to all stakeholders to work together in fighting the prevalence and ensure the Sub County was malaria free.
She said her department has taken a step in fighting the disease by empowering community health volunteers with skills, tools and drugs to test and treat malaria at the grassroots level. However, she said severe cases and expectant mothers are referred to the nearest health facilities.