United Kingdom Members of Parliament say they are impressed with the results for the Indoor Residential Spraying (IRS) that has been conducted in Balaka district.
The delegation led by James Sunderland on Wednesday visited the district to appreciate the progress made by the IRS.
Balaka is among the three districts in the country doing IRS since 2019 and is being supported by Global Fund through World Vision International.
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Speaking in an interview with journalists after witnessing a simulation of activities regarding IRS as well as meeting with one household, Sunderland said it was encouraging to see that communities have embraced the programme.
Said Sunderland: “I am told the intervention has helped reduce malaria up to 30 percent, I have been in Africa, I know Malaria and its impact. To reduce it within three years to that level is a milestone and in line with 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“When we go back, we will tell the world of what you are doing and will further lobby for more funds for the continuation of the project.”
On his part, National Malaria Control Programme Director in the Ministry of Health Dr. Lumbani Munthali said for the past years, Malawi has done very well in reducing malaria trends.
“Malawi is showing positive strides in malaria reduction, in 2016 we registered 7 million cases and 4000 deaths were recorded from January to December. In 2022, the figures were reduced to 4.2 million cases and 1800 deaths were recorded,” he revealed.
Concurring with Munthali, Balaka District Director of Health and Social Services Chimwemwe Thambo said the project has really helped the district to reduce malaria trends and this has been possible because of the collaborative efforts between the community members, World Vision and all stakeholders.
“We have been doing IRS for three years now, and a significant progress has already been made. In the past, we used to rely on treated mosquito nets, hygiene and sanitation surrounding the house hold, preventing of malaria in pregnant women and ensuring there is continued health education.
“With the above interventions, we used to reduce malaria but not to the level that IRS has taken us to,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senior Chief Chanthunya has asked the visiting parliamentarians to help Malawi curb Malaria by lobbying for more resources.
“2023 is the final year for the IRS project, it is sad to note the project is going at the time we needed it most. It is my plea that when they go back, they advocate for more resources so that the programme help eliminate Malaria by 100 percent like some countries,” he said.
World vision is implementing IRS project in Balaka, Mangochi and Nkhatabay districts.
Reporter By Mary Makhiringa
