Rwanda progressing towards Abuja Declaration on malaria

The Head of the Malaria Unit in TRAC Plus, Dr. Corine Karema has revealed that Rwanda is at a steady pace of attaining the Abuja declaration on the eradication of Malaria. According to Karema, the country has enough funds to implement activities and various measures aimed at the elimination of malaria based on the Abuja Declaration on Roll Back Malaria. “The Ministry of Health through TRAC Plus acquired funds from the Global Fund that will cater for universal coverage of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated mosquito nets (LLINs),’’ said Dr. Karema. A total of 1.8m LLINs will be distributed countrywide to all children under five in April 2010 during the Mother and Child Health Week. To ensure universal coverage of LLINs, the Ministry will also distribute 2 LLINs per household by the end of 2010. Karema added that elimination of Malaria is a combination of different measures and strategies based on both prevention and treatment. “We have procured enough drugs for diagnostic treatment through CAMERWA and Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been availed through public, private and community channels countrywide,” she added. In relation to other preventative measures, the official emphasised that Indoor Residual Spraying will also continue to be implemented based on evidence-based findings. The Malaria expert also added that government and its different partners will always avail funds to ensure the continuity of preventive and curative measures once proven to be effective. Partners in the malaria battle include, GFATM, PMI, USAID and UN Agencies among others. Ends

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Rwanda progressing towards Abuja Declaration on malaria