By Thelma Wandayi
Zimbabwe is currently facing a significant increase in malaria cases, as stated in the latest Ministry of Health and Child Care Zimbabwe Disease Surveillance Report.
The report revealed that in the week ending 24 March 2024, a staggering 1,588 malaria cases and 5 deaths were reported.
Statistics from the Health Ministry showed that, out of the reported cases, 140 were children under the age of five.
This indicates a worrisome trend as the most vulnerable members of society are being affected by this potentially life-threatening disease.
The deaths were reported in various regions of the country, including Centenary District and Mt Darwin District in the Mash Central Province, as well as Districts in Masvingo Province.
Additionally, one death was recorded at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo Province.
These figures reveal a pressing need for immediate action to combat the malaria outbreak that has severely impacted multiple provinces.
Mashonaland Central Province reported the highest number of cases, with 901 instances recorded. Manicaland Province followed closely behind, with 243 cases reported.
With a cumulative total of 10,957 malaria cases and 15 deaths, the Zimbabwean healthcare system is under immense pressure to combat the disease.
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and flu-like illness.
The main preventive measures for malaria include taking antimalarial medications prescribed by a healthcare professional, using insect repellent and mosquito nets to avoid mosquito bites, wearing long sleeves and pants, and removing any standing water around living areas where mosquitoes can breed.
In Zimbabwe, malaria is most prevalent in rural areas along the border with Mozambique, especially during the rainy season. Provinces such as Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland West are among the most affected by malaria. Travelers to these regions are advised to take appropriate precautions to prevent contracting malaria.