President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has called on the need for collective strategies aimed at eliminating Malaria in the country.
President Chakwera was speaking in Machinga during the official launch of the ‘Zero Malaria starts with me Campaign’ which among others seeks to double Malawi’s efforts in the elimination of Malaria by 2030.
Dr Chakwera said with collective strategies there is a need for Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the private sector as well as traditional and faith leaders to support already existing Malaria preventive measures including the scientific facts.
“By collective strategy am referring to all of us doing our part, am referring to the community and religious leaders who need to do their part and intensify civic education messages to their subjects.”
Dr Chakwera further said his Administration has joined the Zero Malaria Starts with me Campaign following revelations that the disease continues killing people every year even if it is treatable.
He further said it is hard for some people to believe that zero Malaria free is possible considering how the disease has killed their friends and families over the years.
“To imagine Malawi free Malaria when households continue losing loved ones, companies losing their workers but let me assure you that my administration with your support will end this disease come 2030,” said President Chakwera.
During the ceremony, President Chakwera also unveiled the Zero Malaria campaign’s logo and African Leaders Alliance scorecard towards the eradication of Malaria by 2030.
The President also presented a gift to Group Village Head Mwikhala of Machinga for his contribution to the fight against the disease in his village.
Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, hailed President Chakwera for his efforts in the fight against various diseases in the country including Malaria.
Meanwhile, the USA President’s Malaria Initiative Country Representative, Monica Bautista, said the USA will continue supporting Malawi’s efforts in the fight against Malaria.
“The strategies that Malawi Government is implementing are giving us confidence that by 2030 the disease will be eradicated that is why we are more committed to continuing supporting Malawi in the fight.”
Malaria is a major public health concern with an estimated 6 million cases recorded annually.
Currently, Malaria accounts for over 30 percent of outpatient visits and 34 percent of inpatients this is according to Demographic Health Survey (2015-16)
