Mpumalanga commemorates SADC Malaria Day 

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane

The urgent call to curb the Malaria endemic in the province was highlighted by Cllr Million Shongwe, speaking on behalf of Mpumalanga MEC for Health- Sasekani Manzini, during the commemoration of SADC(Southern Africa Development Community) Malaria Day held at New Forest sports ground in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality on Thursday.

The Department said the purpose of the event was to create awareness and mobilise communities, particularly in Ehlanzeni District, Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge and City of Mbombela sub-districts, to participate in the Malaria Control programmes.

The Department further stated that Malaria is seasonal in the province, starting from September of each year and ends in May of the following year, fuelled by favourable weather conditions such as humidity and rainfall, which is conducive for breeding of vector mosquitoes.

“ Malaria elimination goal requires a strong collaboration, coordination and communication approach between the department and the community, civil society, sector departments and other stakeholders to work together and share responsibilities in a collaborated approach.

“ Our communities need to play a role and understand the department’s rationale and objective of providing Indoor Residual Spraying,” said Cllr Shongwe.

As part of the stance by the Department of Health to end Malaria, MEC Manzini has recently requested Mayors and Traditional Leaders to support the spraying activities in the affected sub-districts.

According to the Department, local Malaria transmission has been reduced by 84% from 4244 cases in 2017/18 to 647 cases in 2023/2024. In addition, the Department said the current 35 local cases in 2024/2025 financial year reflect a substantial decline as compared to previous financial years.

“ The department is humbly requesting community leaders and members of the community to allow spray operators to spray in their houses to protect them against Malaria. We can prevent Malaria, let’s work together, remember Malaria is treatable and curable, let’s prevent and avoid unnecessary Malaria deaths,” Cllr Shongwe concluded.