Not a lost fight

World Vision Burundi in partnership with the Burundi Ministry of health recently held a press conference to raise awareness of the population about the threat of malaria outbreak that has affected almost a half of the Burundi’s population since early this year.

’’Recent stats emanating from the Ministry of Health show that more than five million Burundians have suffered from malaria, and more than two thousand have died so far since early this year’’. Marthe spoke to more than 30 journalists during a press conference with media.

 Marthe Mbengue calls upon media houses present at the conference to join other stakeholders in multiplying sensitization messages.

 ’’It is more than urgent that all people are sensitized on the prevention and treatment of malaria to avoid more deaths that can be prevented;’’ she continues.

 In front of that situation World Vision’s National Director says to launch a malaria fight campaign in four provinces out of 18 that form Burundi, with a goal to reach a total population of 1, 286, 514 people, including 48.888  under five children and 252.157 pregnant women scattered in 220,213 households. Activities planned in that campaign include an indoor residual spraying, integrated community case malaria management at community level and an insecticide treated mosquito nets distribution.

 According to Dr Thaaddhee Ndikumana, spokesperson of the Burundi Ministry of health, malaria is still killing 30% of all admitted patients in Burundi health facilities and around 800.000 malaria cases were registered every month since January this year; he explains. This situation has slightly changed during the last dry season with 350, 000 malaria cases. Figures are expected to rise again with the current rainy season that has started with this October.

‘’ we need to get ready and think of efficient ways to combat this disease like indoor residual spraying and the correct use of insecticide treated mosquito nets’’ he says

People need to be alerted, they should not delay whenever they suspect to be attacked by malaria, Dr Thaddee warns

Most of the people who die are those who report late to health facilities when malaria has already damaged some vital parts of their body like kidney and the brain. It’s unfortunate; Dr Thaddee explains to the journalists.

There is a recurrence of the disease whenever rains come down and figures seem to keep on rising over the years instead of diminishing; a BBC journalist asked if the malaria fight in Burundi isn’t lost.

’’ Our fight is not lost’’, Dr Thaddee replied,

In our plans, malaria should be removed out of the country by 2030 or at least significantly reduced.

There are countries that have been able to, take the example of the islands of Comoros and Seychelles.

Residual spraying, systematic use of insecticide treated mosquito nets, and efficient communication will keep our populations away from mosquitoes and consequently away from malaria.

He concludes.