|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lusaka- USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Dr. Kent Hill, handed over insecticides worth $853,000 to the National Malaria Control Center in support of the Ministry of Health’s Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) program, which has been in place since 2000. During the 2006-2007 malaria season, more than 700,000 structures in 15 target districts will be reached, protecting 4.5 million people against malaria. “I applaud the Government of Zambia for its efforts to save the lives of women and children while using safe and effective methods to combat this deadly disease” said Dr. Hill during a ceremony at Ng’ombe Township in Lusaka
Malaria is a major public health problem in Zambia, accounting for nearly 4.3 million clinical cases and an estimated 50,000 deaths per year. Scientific evidence indicates that IRS is effective in controlling malaria transmission as well as in reducing malaria-related morbidity and mortality.
In line with Zambia's established protocol for IRS, USAID has procured alpha-cypermethrin (Fendona), lambda-cyhalothrin (ICON), and Dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) insecticides, each of which is used on a different type of structure. Zambia is the first country in Africa for which USAID is procuring DDT to save the lives of women and children who are the most vulnerable to malaria. These insecticides are completely safe when used properly and are recommended by the World Health Organization for reducing or interrupting malaria transmission. The National Malaria Control Center will train 950 people to ensure the highest safety standards are carried out.
In addition to procuring all the insecticides for the 2006-2007 IRS program, USAID is providing protective clothing for spray operators and spare parts for spray pumps. At the same time, the Ministry will also receive assistance in strengthening its systems for planning and management, training, supervision, information management, and evaluation of the IRS program as well as the safe and judicious use of insecticides.
USAID is also supporting other key interventions in the Zambia Malaria Strategic Plan, including procuring Mama SafeNite Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) targeted at pregnant women and children under five at public sector antenatal clinics. USAID is also assisting the MOH to strengthen diagnosis and treatment of malaria, and to reduce the burden of malaria in pregnancy.
USAID funding for malaria control in Zambia is under the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which aims to reduce malaria-related deaths by 50 percent in 15 African countries by reaching 85 percent of the most vulnerable groups — children under 5 years of age and pregnant women — with proven and effective malaria prevention and treatment measures.
|
||||
