Nyagatare tops malaria cases

NYAGATARE District has been cited as having the highest cases of malaria compared to other districts in the country. According to reports compiled from various health centres in the district, Nyagatare tops with 40.4% of malaria prevalence. The report was presented at a district security meeting on Monday. While the government plans to uproot malaria by the year 2015, health specialists in the district warned that the percentage of malaria infection could rise unless tough measures are taken. “Nyagatare’s terrain provides suitable breeding ground for mosquitoes. There are also people like herdsmen who live in places with low penetration of mosquito nets …such things fuel the spread of malaria,” said Dr. Benon Karekezi Rukunda, director of Nyagatare Hospital. “There is need for awareness campaigns to encourage residents to adopt the culture of sleeping under mosquito nets as a preventive measure”. The district Mayor, Fred Atuhe Sabiiti, wondered why the district should top others in malaria infection yet it leads in implementing other government programmes like payment for health insurance scheme and Umurenge Sacco. One of the resolutions taken at the meeting was the organisation of a week-long awareness campaign on malaria in the district and formation of health officials’ teams that will sensitise residents on use of mosquito nets. dan.ngabonziza@newtimes.co.rw

National

Nyagatare tops malaria cases