Malaria Ravages Beitbridge And Gwanda Districts

There has been an upsurge in malaria cases in Matabeleland South Province, particularly in Gwanda and Beitbridge, with 716 cases having been recorded this year.

The development was confirmed by Matabeleland South provincial medical director (PMD), Dr Rudo Chikodzere during an interview with CITE. She said:

Matabeleland South Province particularly Beitbridge district and Gwanda districts are experiencing an outbreak of malaria.

As of week 15, 84 new cases of malaria have been reported in Gwanda, 632 cases in Beitbridge. 7 malaria-related deaths have been reported to date in the year 2020.

Dr Chidzokere also said teams from the Ministry of Health and Child Care have been dispatched to map mosquito breeding sites and educate communities on measures to reduce malaria incidents. She said:

More treated mosquito nets are being mobilised for distribution to those who were missed in the mass distributions done last year. We are mapping mosquito breeding sites so that we treat them with chemicals.

For those breeding sites that are manageable, we are encouraging the communities to drain. Communities are encouraged to also use personal protection such as mosquito repellant.

More: CITE