Lusaka, 30 May 2016 - The commemoration of the World Malaria Day (WMD) 2016 in Zambia was held on 25th April, 2016 in Katete District, Eastern Province at Vulamukoko Rural Health Centre. The theme for the commemoration was “End Malaria for Good”. The theme is reflective of the vision of a world free from malaria as provided in the Global Malaria Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030. While Zambia has made significant progress in reducing malaria-related deaths in the last five years from 6,684 in 2010 to 2,397 in 2015, the country has reported increased cases (clinical and confirmed combined) from approximately 4.5 million in 2010 to 5 million in 2015.

The Deputy Minister of Health (MOH), Dr Chitalu Chilufya was the Guest of Honor at the event. In his statement to mark the WMD 2016, the minister indicated that Government had elevated health as a developmental issue and was committed to achieving equity among the people of Zambia. He pointed out that the Zambian Government had provided a dedicated budget for malaria and that  it would provide relevant leadership to:-

• Support efforts aimed at achieving high intervention coverage for long lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs), Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and larval source management for people at risk; 
• Support health systems strengthening through deployment of adequate human resources, availability of malaria commodities, and infrastructure;
• Enhance community action to combat malaria and
• Endeavor to increase access to health services by building a district hospital.

The deputy minster commended the great achievements made by Katete district in achieving a 50% reduction in malaria cases in five years. The Minister presented awards of recognition to Katete District Medical Office and Women Groups for exceptional performance in the fight against malaria. He also indicated that Government recognized the great contribution made by partners towards the fight against malaria.

The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Jacob Mufunda delivered the Message of the WHO Regional Director for Africa to mark the WMD. The RD’s message underscored the global solidarity and concrete actions that have been undertaken to defeat malaria, resulting in a 42% decline in malaria cases and 66% decline in deaths between 2000 in Africa. It was also indicated that a malaria-free Africa was possible if there was strong coordination and implementation of clear strategies and actions, deployment of effective financing mechanisms and processes for tracking progress. 

In addition to the official launch of the WMD in Katete, some of the notable events conducted include: A ministerial launch on national television, community sensitization and distribution of IEC materials, test and treat activities, community environmental management activities at the area where the Larval Source Management was to be under taken and distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets.

District commissioners from several districts such as Chadiza, Mambwe and Katete participated at the event and were engaged in a general discussion with the WHO Representative, the Provincial Medical Officer and the District Medical Officer on the burden of malaria in their catchment areas and how to accelerate implementation of interventions.

Some of the organisations/institutions represented included the Government departments, Schools, St Francis Hospital, United States Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI), US-supported AIRS, NGOs, local chiefs, community women’s groups, the World Health Organisation and the media, particularly the local community radio station, the national broadcasting station and the Zambia News and Information Service.

In a vote of thanks, Chief Mbang’ombe thanked the Governmental of the Republic of Zambia for the planned building of the district hospital and cited the major challenges faced by the people in accessing health care in his area. He thanked the community for their participation in the event and emphasised the importance of using LLINs and seeking prompt treatment for malaria.

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For more information, please contact:

Dr. Fred Masaninga, Email:  masaningaf [at] who.int

Nora Mweemba, Email:  mweemban [at] who.int

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Below:

01. A performance by pupils during WMD

02. Community members clearing the larval source management area around water bodies in Katete, 2016

03. The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Chitalu Chilufya presenting mosquito nets to women Groups during the WMD 2016 in Katete 

04. The WHO Representative, Dr. Jacob Mufunda, delivering the statement of the WHO Regional Director for Africa