By Kopano Dibakwane
A successful malaria roadshow was conducted by the Mpumalanga Department of Health in Tonga, Nkomazi Sub-District, on Friday 7 November 2025.
The event was reportedly part of commemorating SADC Malaria Day and to raise public awareness about the disease.
According to the Department, Malaria is a significant public health concern in Mpumalanga, particularly in areas near the borders with Mozambique and Swaziland, including areas within the province such as Nkomazi and parts of Bushbuckridge, the eastern Lowveld including the Ehlanzeni District.
Some of the common symptoms of malaria reportedly include fever and chills, intense fatigue, muscle and joint aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pains, rapid heart rate and breathing, coughing, loss of appetite, to mention but a few.
If left untreated, malaria, particularly that caused by the Plasmodium Falciparum parasite, can reportedly progress to a severe, life-threatening illness with serious complications.
The Department emphasised that by creating awareness and educating the community, the malaria cases can be prevented and ensure timely treatment for those affected.
“ The roadshow march started at Tonga Hospital and proceeded to Tonga Mall to create public awareness, carrying placards with visible malaria messages, while other officials distributed malaria education pamphlets to community members around Tonga Mall,” said the Department.
The event was attended by malaria employees, environmental health practitioners, surveillance teams, vector control teams, spray operators, and health partners from LSDI2(Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative 2)
